Effect of adenosine modified with a boron cluster pharmacophore on reactive oxygen species production by human neutrophils

Methods for the synthesis of adenosine/boron cluster conjugates are proposed and the potential of the obtained derivatives to modulate neutrophil activity, especially reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro, is described. An efficient inhibition of ROS production in activated neutrophils by adenosine modified at the 2′-C and 6-N positions with a para-carborane cluster (C₂B₁₀H₁₁) was discovered. The high affinity of the selected compounds for adenosine receptor A_2A was established. These results are in agreement with the possible involvement of receptor A_2A in the biological activities of adenosine/boron cluster conjugates. This study extends the range of innovative molecules available for testing as agents affecting inflammatory processes.