The Roles of Tumor-Derived Exosomes in Cancer Pathogenesis

Exosomes are endosome-derived, 30–100 nm small membrane vesicles released by most cell types including tumor cells. They are enriched in a selective repertoire of proteins and nucleic acids from parental cells and are thought to be actively involved in conferring intercellular signals. Tumor-derived...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chenjie Yang, Paul D. Robbins
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2011-01-01
Series:Clinical and Developmental Immunology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/842849
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Summary:Exosomes are endosome-derived, 30–100 nm small membrane vesicles released by most cell types including tumor cells. They are enriched in a selective repertoire of proteins and nucleic acids from parental cells and are thought to be actively involved in conferring intercellular signals. Tumor-derived exosomes have been viewed as a source of tumor antigens that can be used to induce antitumor immune responses. However, tumor-derived exosomes also have been found to possess immunosuppressive properties and are able to facilitate tumor growth, metastasis, and the development of drug resistance. These different effects of tumor-derived exosomes contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. This review will discuss the roles of tumor-derived exosomes in cancer pathogenesis, therapy, and diagnostics.
ISSN:1740-2522
1740-2530