ELISA based assays to measure adenosine deaminases concentration in serum and saliva for the diagnosis of ADA2 deficiency and cancer

Adenosine deaminases (ADAs) are enzymes of purine metabolism converting adenosine to inosine. There are two types of ADAs in humans ADA1 and ADA2. While both ADA1 and ADA2 share the same substrate, they differ in expression, cellular localization, and catalytic properties. The genetic deficiency of ADA1 results in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), while lack in ADA2 (DADA2) results in multiple phenotypes ranging from systemic inflammation to vascular pathology. Clinical studies have shown that the levels of ADAs in biological fluids are altered in pathophysiological conditions, suggesting that ADA activity could be a convenient marker for the diagnosis of immune diseases and cancer. Here, we describe sensitive and straightforward ELISA assays to measure ADA1 and ADA2 concentrations in biological fluids. Analysis of the serum and saliva samples from the healthy controls and DADA2 patients revealed that ADA2 enzyme concentration is significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls. In contrast, the concentration of ADA2 increases in the serum of patients with large granular leukocyte leukemia (LGLL) and patients’ saliva with head and neck cancer. Thus, this simple, non-invasive method allows for distinguishing healthy controls from the affected patient. It can be implemented in screening and diagnosis of DADA2 and follow up the treatment of LGLL and several types of head and neck cancer.