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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
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Extraction of Extracellular Vesicles from Whole Tissue
Published on: February 7, 2019
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Unveiling the hidden role of extracellular vesicles in brain metastases: a comprehensive review
Ji Li1, Shuangqing Lu1, Feihu Chen1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
Frontiers in Immunology
|May 10, 2024
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate the brain metastases immune microenvironment by altering blood-brain barrier permeability and immune cell infiltration. These findings highlight EVs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for brain metastases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived vesicles involved in intercellular communication.
- Brain metastases (BMs) are common in lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma, often leading to poor prognosis.
- The immune microenvironment of BMs differs from primary tumors, yet the role of EVs in this context is under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the literature on the role of EVs in the immune microenvironment of BMs.
- To summarize how EVs influence BMs progression and immune responses.
- To explore the potential of EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents for BMs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published research literature.
- Analysis of studies detailing EV functions in BMs.
- Synthesis of evidence on EV-mediated immune modulation in the brain.
Main Results:
- EVs actively regulate the BMs immune microenvironment.
- EVs modify blood-brain barrier permeability and immune cell infiltration.
- EVs promote tumor cell survival and proliferation by activating immune cells.
- EVs show potential as biomarkers for BMs surveillance and prediction.
Conclusions:
- EVs are key regulators of the immune microenvironment in brain metastases.
- EVs hold promise for advancing immunotherapy and diagnostics for BMs.
- Further research is needed to elucidate specific EV mechanisms in BMs for novel therapeutic strategies.
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