New insights into Epstein‑Barr virus‑associated tumors: Exosomes (Review)

Oncol Rep. 2022 Jan;47(1):13. doi: 10.3892/or.2021.8224. Epub 2021 Nov 15.

Abstract

Epstein‑Barr virus (EBV) is endemic worldwide and is associated with a number of human tumors. EBV‑associated tumors have unique mechanisms of tumorigenesis. EBV encodes multiple oncogenic molecules that can be loaded into exosomes released by EBV+ tumor cells to mediate intercellular communication. Moreover, different EBV+ tumor cells secrete exosomes that act on various target cells with various biological functions. In addition to oncogenicity, EBV+ exosomes have potential immunosuppressive effects. Investigating EBV+ exosomes could identify the role of EBV in tumorigenesis and progression. The present review summarized advances in studies focusing on exosomes and the functions of EBV+ exosomes derived from different EBV‑associated tumors. EBV+ exosomes are expected to become a new biomarker for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Therefore, exosome‑targeted therapy displays potential.

Keywords: Epstein‑Barr virus; biomarker; exosome; immunosuppressive; microRNAs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / virology*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / virology*
  • Exosomes / pathology*
  • Exosomes / virology*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans

Grants and funding

The present study was supported by the Department of Science and Technology of Sichuan Province (grant no. 2019YFS0250 and 2018SZ0162).