Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs), as topologies of tumor cells, not only carry biological information from the mother, but also act as messengers for cellular communication. It has been demonstrated that TDEs play a key role in inducing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). They can reprogram immune cells indirectly or directly by delivering inhibitory proteins, cytokines, RNA and other substances. They not only inhibit the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells, but also remodel M2 macrophages and inhibit T cell infiltration to promote immunosuppression and create a favorable ecological niche for tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Based on the specificity of TDEs, targeting TDEs has become a new strategy to monitor tumor progression and enhance treatment efficacy. This paper reviews the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressive effects induced by TDEs to establish a theoretical foundation for cancer therapy. Additionally, the challenges of TDEs as a novel approach to tumor treatment are discussed.
Author Info:
(1) Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; College of Pharmacy, Shandong Universit
y of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China. (2) Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China. Electronic address: chenzichao11@126.com. (3) Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China. (4) College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China. (5) College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China. (6) College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China. (7) Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China. Electronic address: caimeichao@sdutcm.edu.cn. (8) College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China. Electronic address: zhangzhen19801981@126.com.
