title: The roles of tumor-derived exosomes in cancer pathogenesis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
authors.forename: Chenjie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Robbins
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D055354:Exosomes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm