Exosomes in virus-associated cancer

Cancer Lett. 2018 Dec 1:438:44-51. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.09.018. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

Abstract

Exosomes are phospholipid bilayer membrane-enclosed vesicles in a size from 30 to 150 nm, carrying a variety of active components, such as proteins, mRNA and miRNAs, and are involved in intercellular communication. Exosomes are released by almost all living cells and detected in various biological fluids. Viruses especially oncogenic viruses have been reported to influence the formation of virus-associated cancer through reshaping the tumor microenvironment via exosomes. In this review, a role of exosomes released by oncogenic virus-infected cells in promoting or inhibiting cancer formation is outlined. Moreover, the prospects and challenges of exosome applications in cancer therapies are critically discussed.

Keywords: Exosome; Onco-virus; Virus-associated cancer; miRNAs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Communication / genetics
  • Exosomes / genetics*
  • Exosomes / metabolism
  • Exosomes / virology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / virology
  • Oncogenic Viruses / physiology
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / genetics*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / metabolism
  • Tumor Virus Infections / virology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger