Effects of Exosomes on Tumor Bioregulation and Diagnosis

Abstract

Exosomes are lipid bilayer vesicles in biological fluids, which can participate in biological processes by mediating intercellular communication and activating intracellular signaling pathways, especially cancerogenic processes, such as proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and immune regulation of cancer cells. Besides, cancer-derived exosomes are also involved in tumor diagnosis and therapy as biomarkers and nanotransport devices. This article reviews the latest research progress on the biological regulation and disease diagnosis of exosomes in tumors, with the aim of providing new ideas for the clinical treatment of cancers.

Figure 1

Biological regulation of exosomes on cancer cell. Exosomes released from cancer cells can act on neighboring tumor cells, vascular endothelial cells, and fibroblasts through paracrine secretion. They can also act on themselves through autocrine release of exosomes carrying signal molecules or enter the systemic circulation to target organs, such as liver, lung, colon, and stomach. They affect various immune cells and regulate the tumor microenvironment and the immune response of the body. Correspondingly, exosomes from external sources can act on cancer cells and promote their progression.

Figure 2

Exosome-mediated tumor immune regulation. Exosomes encapsulate a rich variety of signaling molecules, such as IL-4, miR-155, hsp70, TNF-α, etc., to transmit information between tumor cells and immune cells. The activation of these signals can affect the immune response through different pathways and play a role in promoting or suppressing tumors.