Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2025

Studying the Effects of Tumor-Secreted Paracrine Ligands on Macrophage Activation using Co-Culture with Permeable Membrane Supports
Published on: November 28, 2019
Targeting Endocytosis and Cell Communications in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment
Bo Wu1, Qian Wang2, Xiang Shi3
1Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
Abstract:
The existence of multiple endocytic pathways is well known, and their exact biological effects in tumors have been intensively investigated. Endocytosis can affect the connection between tumor cells and determine the fate of tumor cells. Many relationships between endocytosis and tumor cells have been elucidated, but the mechanism of endocytosis between different types of cells in tumors needs to be explored in greater depth. Endocytic receptors sense the environment and are induced by specific ligands to trigger communication between tumor and immune cells. Crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment can occur through direct contact between cell adhesion molecules or indirectly through exosomes. So a better understanding of the endocytic pathways that control cell adhesion molecules and function is expected to lead to new candidates for cancer treatment. In additional, tumor-derived exosomes may changes immune cell function, which may be a key role for tumors to evade immune detection and response. The overall understanding of exosomes through endocytosis is also expected to bring new candidates for therapeutic regulation of tumor immune microenvironment. In this case, endocytic pathways coordinate cell adhesion molecules and exosomes and can be used as targets in the tumor immune microenvironment for cancer treatment. Video Abstract.
Insights
Endocytic pathways regulate tumor cell connections and communication. Understanding these pathways, including cell adhesion molecules and exosomes, offers new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment and immune microenvironment regulation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple endocytic pathways are known, with significant roles in tumor biology, influencing tumor cell connections and fate.
- While endocytosis's impact on tumor cells is studied, mechanisms governing intercellular endocytosis within tumors require deeper investigation.
- Endocytic receptors mediate tumor-immune cell communication, crucial for understanding the tumor microenvironment.
Discussion:
- Tumor microenvironment crosstalk occurs via direct cell adhesion molecule interactions or indirect exosome signaling.
- Endocytic pathways' control over cell adhesion molecules and exosomes presents potential therapeutic avenues.
- Tumor-derived exosomes can modulate immune cell function, aiding tumor immune evasion.
Key Insights:
- Endocytic pathways coordinate cell adhesion molecules and exosomes within the tumor microenvironment.
- Targeting these coordinated pathways offers novel strategies for cancer therapy.
- Elucidating intercellular endocytosis mechanisms is vital for advancing cancer treatment.
Outlook:
- Further research into endocytic pathways can identify new therapeutic targets for cancer.
- Understanding exosome-mediated communication can lead to strategies for regulating the tumor immune microenvironment.
- Exploiting endocytic mechanisms holds promise for innovative cancer treatment modalities.
Related Concept Videos
The Tumor Microenvironment
Tumor Immunotherapy
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR...

