Tumor hijacks macrophages and microbiota through extracellular vesicles

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises tumor cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and microbiota, all influencing tumor progression.
• TAMs' altered phenotypes and functions are linked to cancer development.
• Microbial colonization, including pathogens, contributes to tumor generation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEVs) in mediating crosstalk among tumor cells, TAMs, and microbiota.
• To elucidate how TDEVs facilitate the recruitment and interaction of TAMs and microbes within the TME.
• To highlight the significance of these interactions in promoting tumor progression and identifying therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the interplay between tumor cells, TAMs, microbiota, and TDEVs.
• Analysis of mechanisms by which TDEVs transfer malignant factors.
• Examination of how TDEVs influence TAMs and microbial communities in the TME.

Main Results:

• TDEVs act as crucial messengers, transferring factors that regulate TAM and microbial behavior.
• Tumor cells utilize TDEVs to recruit and influence both TAMs and microbes.
• Hijacked TAMs and microbes engage in feedback loops that promote tumor growth and survival within the TME.

Conclusions:

• TDEVs play a central role in orchestrating the complex interactions within the TME.
• Clarifying the specific crosstalk mediated by TDEVs is essential for identifying novel therapeutic strategies.
• Targeting TDEV-mediated communication pathways offers potential for improving cancer treatment and patient prognosis.