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Exosomes in tumor microenvironment influence cancer progression and metastasis

Journal of Molecular Medicine volume 91, pages 431–437 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles of endocytic origin with a size of 50–100 nm. They can contain microRNAs, mRNAs, DNA fragments, and proteins, which are shuttled from a donor cell to recipient cells. Many different cell types including immune cells, mesenchymal cells, and cancer cells release exosomes. There is emerging evidence that cancer-derived exosomes contribute to the recruitment and reprogramming of constituents associated with tumor environment. Here, we discuss different mechanisms associated with biogenesis, payload, and transport of exosomes. We highlight the functional relevance of exosomes in cancer, as related to tumor microenvironment, tumor immunology, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Exosomes may exert an immunosuppressive function as well as trigger an anti-tumor response by presenting tumor antigens to dendritic cells. Exosomes may serve as cancer biomarkers and aid in the treatment of cancer.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

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  1. Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Christoph Kahlert & Raghu Kalluri

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  1. Christoph Kahlert
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  2. Raghu Kalluri
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Correspondence to Raghu Kalluri.

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Kahlert, C., Kalluri, R. Exosomes in tumor microenvironment influence cancer progression and metastasis. J Mol Med 91, 431–437 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-013-1020-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-013-1020-6

Keywords

  • Exosomes
  • Cancer
  • Tumor microenvironment
  • Angiogenesis
  • Metastasis
  • Therapy