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Published on: May 24, 2019
Heat shock proteins and exosomes in cancer theranostics
Mathilde Regimbeau1, Jimena Abrey1, Valentin Vautrot2
1INSERM, UMR 1231, Label Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer and LipSTIC. 7 blvd Jeanne d'Arc, 21000, Dijon, France; Université. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000, Dijon, France.
Abstract:
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a superfamily of molecular chaperones that were discovered through their ability to be induced by different stresses including heat shock. Other than their function as chaperones in proteins homeostasis, HSPs have been shown to inhibit different forms of cell death and to participate in cell proliferation and differentiation processes. Because cancer cells have to rewire their metabolism, they require a high amount of these stress-inducible chaperones for their survival. Therefore, HSPs are unusually abundant in cancer cells where they have oncogene-like functions. In cancer, HSPs have been involved in the regulation of apoptosis, immune responses, angiogenesis, metastasis and treatment resistance. Recently, HSPs have been shown to be secreted through exosomes by cancer cells. These tumor-derived exosomes can be used as circulating markers: HSP-exosomes have been reported as biomarkers of cancer dissemination, response to therapy and/or patient outcome. A new range of functions, mostly in modulation of anticancer immune responses, have been described for these extracellular HSPs. In this review, we will describe those recently reported functions of HSP-exosomes that makes them both targets for anticancer therapeutics and biomarkers for the monitoring of the disease. We will also discuss their emerging interest in cancer vaccines.
Insights
Heat shock proteins (HSPs), crucial for protein homeostasis, are abundant in cancer cells and secreted via exosomes. These HSP-exosomes show promise as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets, particularly in modulating immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones involved in protein homeostasis and cellular stress responses.
- Cancer cells exhibit high dependence on HSPs for survival, proliferation, and differentiation, leading to oncogenic functions.
- HSPs regulate key cancer processes including apoptosis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the recently discovered functions of HSP-exosomes in cancer.
- To highlight HSP-exosomes as potential biomarkers for cancer dissemination, therapy response, and patient outcomes.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of HSP-exosomes and their role in cancer vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) and exosomes in cancer.
- Analysis of research on HSP secretion via exosomes by cancer cells.
- Synthesis of findings on the functions and applications of HSP-exosomes.
Main Results:
- HSPs are overexpressed in cancer cells and play oncogene-like roles.
- Cancer cells secrete HSPs within exosomes, forming HSP-exosomes.
- HSP-exosomes function as circulating biomarkers for cancer monitoring and prognosis.
- Extracellular HSPs, particularly within exosomes, modulate anticancer immune responses.
Conclusions:
- HSP-exosomes represent a novel class of biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring.
- HSP-exosomes offer promising therapeutic targets for anticancer strategies.
- The role of HSP-exosomes in cancer vaccines is an emerging area of interest.
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