T cell-derived exosomes in tumor immune modulation and immunotherapy

Front Immunol. 2023 Apr 20:14:1130033. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130033. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: T cell; cancer; exosome; immune modulation; immunotherapy; tumor.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Neoplasms*
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology

Grants and funding

This study was funded by the GK2021 Provincial Natural Fund (21-262) (grant no. 722213D00829) and the study of nanomaterial photothermal therapy combined with Immunotherapy for cutaneous Malignant Melanoma (grant no.2020KY447).