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Exosome-Mediated Crosstalk Between Cancer Cells and Tumor Microenvironment.

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Exosomes are key communicators in the tumor microenvironment (TME), influencing cancer progression and immune responses. Targeting these extracellular vesicles offers promising therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

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B cellscancer progressiondendritic cellsexosomesextracellular vesicles (EVs)immune modulationtumor microenvironment (TME)tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs)

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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Exosomes mediate intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment (TME).
  • Cancer-derived exosomes promote tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance.
  • Exosomes from TME cells reciprocally influence tumor growth and immune evasion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of exosome-mediated reprogramming of immune and stromal cells.
  • To highlight the dual roles of exosomes in cancer progression and antitumor immunity.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting exosomes for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing current evidence on exosome functions in cancer.
  • Analysis of exosome cargo (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids) and their effects.
  • Examination of bidirectional interactions between exosomes and TME components.

Main Results:

  • Exosomes act as crucial mediators in the TME, influencing both tumor-promoting and anti-tumor activities.
  • Bidirectional communication via exosomes shapes tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic responses.
  • Exosomes reprogram stromal and immune cells, impacting angiogenesis and metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • Exosomes are central players in cancer biology, acting as both drivers of malignancy and regulators of immunity.
  • Understanding exosome function is critical for developing novel cancer therapies.
  • Inhibiting exosome biogenesis, release, or function presents a promising translational approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment.