Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles in the immune microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Foe or future?

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is considered a “cold tumor” due to its suppressive immune microenvironment, and is associated with a poor prognosis. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an essential role in the tumor microenvironment and mediate intercellular communications. EVs have been proven to be key immune regulators involved in antitumor immune responses and escape from immune surveillance. Tumor-derived EVs favor the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by regulating the differentiation, proliferation and activation of innate and adaptive immune effector cells, as well as myeloid cells, acting as a “foe” in the microenvironment. However, EVs are also valuable for predicting and improving the prognosis of HNSCC, and represent hope for future treatments. In this review, we summarize the impact of HNSCC-derived EVs on the immune microenvironment, describe their roles as biomarkers and for drug delivery in disease monitoring and treatment. We provide insights into important areas for future research and identify potential therapeutic targets for HNSCC treatment.