The immunomodulatory role of tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer ( CRC ) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide with rising mortality rates predicted in the coming decades. In light of this, there is a continued need for improvement in our understanding of CRC biology and the development of novel treatment options. Tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles ( tEV s) have emerged as both novel cancer biomarkers and functional mediators of carcinogenesis. tEV s are released by tumor cells in abundance and play an important role in mediating tumor cell—immune cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, tEV s are released into the circulation in humans where they could also interact with circulating immune cells. This review aims to describe CRC ‐specific tEV s and what is currently known about their role in immunomodulation. In particular, we discuss the ability of CRC ‐derived tEV s to affect monocyte differentiation into macrophages and dendritic cells, and their effects on T‐cell viability and activity. Finally, the potential for tEV s in the development of immunotherapies will be discussed.