The Role of Tumor-Derived Exosomes (TEX) in Shaping Anti-Tumor Immune Competence

Emerging studies suggest that extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediating intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a key role in driving cancer progression. Tumor-derived small EVs or exosomes (TEX) enriched in immunosuppressive proteins or in microRNAs targeting suppressive pathways in recipient cells contribute to reprogramming the TME into a cancer-promoting milieu. The adenosinergic pathway is an acknowledged major contributor to tumor-induced immune suppression. TEX carry the components of this pathway and utilize ATP to produce adenosine (ADO). TEX-associated ADO emerges as a key factor in the suppression of T cell responses to therapy. Here, the significance of the ADO pathway in TEX is discussed as a highly effective mechanism of cancer-driven immune cell suppression and of resistance to immune therapies.

Automated summary

Recent studies indicate that extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a crucial role in promoting cancer progression by reprogramming the TME and suppressing immune responses. Specifically, tumor-derived small EVs or exosomes (TEX) carry immunosuppressive proteins and microRNAs targeting suppressive pathways, contributing to immune cell suppression and resistance to therapy. The adenosinergic pathway in TEX is identified as a significant mechanism for cancer-driven immune cell suppression and immune therapy resistance.