T cell-derived exosomes in tumor immune modulation and immunotherapy

Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles secreted by most cells and have a phospholipid bilayer structure. Exosomes contain DNA, small RNA, proteins, and other substances that can carry proteins and nucleic acids and participate in communication between cells. T cells are an indispensable part of adaptive immunity, and the functions of T cell-derived exosomes have been widely studied. In the more than three decades since the discovery of exosomes, several studies have revealed that T cell-derived exosomes play a novel role in cell-to-cell signaling, especially in the tumor immune response. In this review, we discuss the function of exosomes derived from different T cell subsets, explore applications in tumor immunotherapy, and consider the associated challenges.

Automated summary

Exosomes, nanoscale vesicles with a phospholipid bilayer structure, are secreted by cells and contain DNA, small RNA, proteins, and other substances that play a role in cell-to-cell communication. T cell-derived exosomes have been extensively studied for their novel role in cell signaling, particularly in tumor immune response. In this review, the functions of exosomes derived from different T cell subsets are discussed, along with their applications in tumor immunotherapy and the associated challenges.