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Tumor-derived microparticles in tumor immunology and immunotherapy
Jingwei Ma1, Huafeng Zhang2, Ke Tang3
1Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Microvesicles or microparticles, a type of cytoplasm membrane-derived extracellular vesicles, can be released by cancer cells or normal cell types. Alteration of F-actin cytoskeleton by various signals may lead to the cytoplasm membrane encapsulating cellular contents to form microparticles, which contain various messenger molecules, including enzymes, RNAs and even DNA fragments, and are released to extracellular space. The release of microparticles by tumor cells (T-MPs) is a very common event in tumor microenvironments. As a result, T-MPs not only influence tumor cell biology but also profoundly forge tumor immunology. Moreover, T-MPs can act as a natural vehicle that delivers therapeutic drugs to tumor cells and immune cells, thus, remodeling tumor microenvironments and resetting antitumor immune responses, thus, conferring T-MPs a potential role in tumor immunotherapies and tumor vaccines. In this review, we focus on the double-edged sword role of T-MPs in tumor immunology, specifically in TAMs and DCs, and emphasize the application of drug-packaging T-MPs in cancer patients. We aim to provide a new angle to understand immuno-oncology and new strategies for cancer immunotherapy.
Insights
Tumor microparticles (T-MPs) are released by cancer cells and influence tumor immunology. These microparticles can deliver drugs, offering potential for novel cancer immunotherapies and vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles, including microvesicles or microparticles, are released by various cell types, including cancer cells.
- Tumor-derived microparticles (T-MPs) are prevalent in the tumor microenvironment and contain diverse biomolecules.
- T-MPs significantly impact tumor cell biology and modulate the tumor immune landscape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of T-MPs in tumor immunology, focusing on their interactions with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and dendritic cells (DCs).
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of drug-loaded T-MPs for cancer treatment.
- To provide insights into immuno-oncology and develop new cancer immunotherapy strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on T-MPs' role in tumor immunology and their therapeutic applications.
- Analysis of T-MP composition and their influence on immune cells within the tumor microenvironment.
- Exploration of T-MPs as drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- T-MPs exhibit a "double-edged sword" effect in tumor immunology, influencing both pro-tumor and anti-tumor immune responses.
- T-MPs modulate the function of key immune cells like TAMs and DCs.
- Drug-packaging T-MPs demonstrate potential for targeted delivery and therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models.
Conclusions:
- T-MPs play a critical role in shaping the tumor microenvironment and immune responses.
- T-MPs represent a promising platform for developing advanced cancer immunotherapies and vaccines.
- Targeting T-MPs or utilizing them as drug carriers offers novel strategies for cancer treatment.
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