Migrasomes in the tumor microenvironment: Functional roles and therapeutic potential

Migrasomes are large extracellular vesicles (0.5-3 μm in diameter) with a distinctive pomegranate-like structure, formed along retraction fibers during cell migration and released their content through migracytosis. Unlike other extracellular vesicles, migrasomes play unique roles in intercellular communication by transferring proteins, RNAs, and signaling molecules within the tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding migrasome biogenesis, composition, and functional roles in cancer progression. We highlight their contributions to tumor angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and most notably immune escape, through the regulation of tumor-associated macrophages, T cells, and other immune and stromal cells. Pan-cancer evidence supports a strong correlation between migrasome abundance and immunosuppressive gene signatures, including immune checkpoint expression and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) scores. We also highlight the promising diagnostic and therapeutic potential of migrasomes as novel biomarkers and targets for cancer therapy. Finally, we discuss current research challenges and outline future directions for advancing migrasome research toward clinical translation.