Open AccessRoles of exosomes in cancer chemotherapy resistance, progression, metastasis and immunity, and their clinical applications (Review)
Author(s) -
Xiaoyan Wang,
Yuan Zhang,
Kaiyang Ding
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.405
H-Index - 122
ISSN - 1019-6439
DOI - 10.3892/ijo.2021.5224
Subject(s) - microvesicles , exosome , oncogene , metastasis , biology , cancer , tumor microenvironment , cancer cell , immune system , cancer research , molecular medicine , microrna , secretion , tumor progression , cell cycle , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , gene , genetics , biochemistry
Exosomes are a type of vesicle that are secreted by cells, with a diameter of 40‑100 nm, and that appear as a cystic shape under an electron microscope. Exosome cargo includes a variety of biologically active substances such as non‑coding RNA, lipids and small molecule proteins. Exosomes can be taken up by neighboring cells upon secretion or by distant cells within the circulatory system, affecting gene expression of the recipient cells. The present review discusses the formation and secretion of exosomes, and how they can remodel the tumor microenvironment, enhancing cancer cell chemotherapy resistance and tumor progression. Exosome‑mediated induction of tumor metastasis is also highlighted. More importantly, the review discusses the manner in which exosomes can change the metabolism of cancer cells and the immune system, which may help to devise novel therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. With the development of nanotechnology, exosomes can also be used as biomarkers and for the delivery of chemical drugs, serving as a tool to diagnose and treat cancer.