Abstract
As key performers in intercellular communication, exosomes released by tumor cells play an important role in cancer development, including angiogenesis, cancer‐associated fibroblasts activation, epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT), immune escape, and pre‐metastatic niche formation. Meanwhile, other cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) can secrete exosomes and facilitate tumor progression. Elucidating mechanisms regarding these processes may offer perspectives for exosome‐based antitumor strategies. In this review, we mainly introduce the versatile roles of tumor or stromal cell derived exosomes in cancer development, with a particular focus on the biological capabilities and functionalities of their diverse contents, such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. The potential clinical application of exosomes as biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and prognosis is also discussed. Finally, the current antitumor strategies based on exosomes in immunotherapy and targeted delivery for chemotherapeutic or biological agents are summarized.
Highlights
Exosomes, the nanosized (40-160 nm) subgroups of extracellular vesicles (EVs), were initially believed to be the platelet dust in plasma.[1,2] Exosomes are generated in the maturation process of endosomes to multivesicular bodies (MVBs)
We focus on the present studies and the underlying mechanisms of exosomes, especially regarding the involvement in tumor microenvironment (TME)
mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomal miR-126-3p suppresses the development of pancreatic cancer by targeting ADAM9.91 In another study, Xu et al found that exosomes containing miR-133b released by MSCs attenuated glioma development via inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.[92]
Summary
The nanosized (40-160 nm) subgroups of extracellular vesicles (EVs), were initially believed to be the platelet dust in plasma.[1,2] Exosomes are generated in the maturation process of endosomes to multivesicular bodies (MVBs). MVBs can fuse with the plasma membrane, and ILVs are released as exosomes into extracellular space.[3] In the past decades, studies have unraveled that exosomes are important mediators of intercellular communication and are involved in a diverse range of biological processes with the varying cargos inside, including lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites.[2] When exosomes are released into the extracellular space, they can reach recipient cells and deliver cargos, exerting functional effects and inducing related phenotypic changes.[4]. Research have shown that exosomes are recognized as important transporters in cancer and exhibit promising prospects for cancer diagnosis (Figure 3).[11] Recently, the applications of exosomes have been focused on biomarkers in diagnosis, underlying functions and mechanisms, and drug delivery systems owing to its unique natural features.[12,13] In this review, we focus on the present studies and the underlying mechanisms of exosomes, especially regarding the involvement in TME. We conclude the application exosomes in tumor diagnosis and therapy
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