The role of exosomes in the pathogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2016 Jun:75:131-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.03.009. Epub 2016 Mar 24.

Abstract

Exosomes are small membrane bound vesicles secreted by cancer cells that have a cytosol rich in proteins and nucleic acids which are capable of modulating the phenotype of neighbouring cells which take them up. In this review we explore the mechanisms through which exosomes are able to impact on the pathogenesis of pancreatic ductal cancer through the modulation of tumour formation and development and exploitation of the tumour microenvironment to modulate both the adaptive and innate immune response. In addition we highlight the potential utility of exosomes not only as biomarkers of disease but also as tools to be used in the therapeutic armamentarium against this disease.

Keywords: Adaptive immunity; Exosomes; Innate immunity; Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; Pancreatic stellate cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / etiology*
  • Adenocarcinoma / immunology
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Animals
  • Exosomes / drug effects
  • Exosomes / metabolism
  • Exosomes / pathology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Glypicans / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Precision Medicine

Substances

  • Glypicans