Revolutionizing anti-tumor therapy: unleashing the potential of B cell-derived exosomes

Abstract

B cells occupy a vital role in the functioning of the immune system, working in tandem with T cells to either suppress or promote tumor growth within the tumor microenvironment(TME). In addition to direct cell-to-cell communication, B cells and other cells release exosomes, small membrane vesicles ranging in size from 30-150 nm, that facilitate intercellular signaling. Exosome research is an important development in cancer research, as they have been shown to carry various molecules such as major histocompatibility complex(MHC) molecules and integrins, which regulate the TME. Given the close association between TME and cancer development, targeting substances within the TME has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the contributions made by B cells and exosomes to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, we delve into the potential role of B cell-derived exosomes in the progression of cancer.

Keywords: B cell; B cell-derived exosome; TME; anti-tumor; therapy.

Figure 1

Biology of exosomes and the role of their cargo in the tumor microenvironment. (A) Exosomes are produced in dependence on the ESCRT mechanism or a RAB31-mediated pathway independent of the ESCRT mechanism. Exosomes carry a variety of proteins and effector molecules that can determine the direction of tumour development and tumour metastasis, promote tumour angiogenesis and participate in tumour drug resistance.Engineered exosomes carry cargoes of interest that also have multiple roles closely related to tumours. (B) B cells release exosomes through endocytosis of the plasma membrane, the formation of early endosomes and late endosomes, and fusion of polyvesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. In addition to MHC protein and quadruple transmembrane protein, the surface of B cell-derived exosomes contains special FasL proteins, integrins, C3, CD19, CD39, CD73, etc., which can regulate immune cells (T cells) or affect the survival of tumor cells through special factors.