Exosome-based immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
• Systemic therapies for HCC often encounter resistance, limiting clinical efficacy.
• Exosomes, nanoscale vesicles, are emerging as key players in antitumor immunity and potential therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the immunomodulatory functions of exosomes within the HCC tumor microenvironment (TME).
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which exosomes remodel the suppressive HCC TME.
• To provide strategies for optimizing exosome-based immunotherapy for HCC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on exosome biology and HCC immunotherapy.
• Analysis of exosome-mediated immune responses in the TME.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on exosome engineering for therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

• Exosomes possess significant immunomodulatory capabilities within the HCC TME.
• Exosomes can be engineered to overcome suppressive TME characteristics.
• Evidence suggests exosomes can enhance antitumor immune responses in HCC.

Conclusions:

• Exosomes offer a promising avenue for HCC immunotherapy by reprogramming the TME.
• Standardization of exosome production and cargo loading are critical for clinical translation.
• Addressing safety and efficacy challenges is essential for the successful clinical application of exosome-based HCC therapies.