Exosomes in Glioma: Unraveling Their Roles in Progression, Diagnosis, and Therapy

Abstract

Gliomas, the most prevalent primary malignant brain tumors, present a challenging prognosis even after undergoing surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by various cells, play a pivotal role in glioma progression and contribute to resistance against chemotherapy and radiotherapy by facilitating the transportation of biological molecules and promoting intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, exosomes exhibit the remarkable ability to traverse the blood–brain barrier, positioning them as potent carriers for therapeutic delivery. These attributes hold promise for enhancing glioma diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in exosome research within the realm of tumors. In this article, we primarily focus on elucidating the role of exosomes in glioma development, highlighting the latest breakthroughs in therapeutic and diagnostic approaches, and outlining prospective directions for future research.

Exosomes as drug delivery systems in glioma immunotherapy

“…promoting MDSC activation and differentiation [105], inducing the polarization of TAMs toward an immunosuppressive phenotype [106], and interfering with T cell proliferation and activation [107,108]. Furthermore, in addition to promoting tumor immune escape, TEXs are also involved in various aspects of tumor progression by communicating with adjacent or distant cells, including the establishment of pre-metastatic niches, anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, promotion of inflammatory response, tumor growth, and drug resistance [109,110]. Consequently, the safety of utilizing TEXs as carriers warrants further examination.…”

Hsp70 and Calcitonin Receptor Protein in Extracellular Vesicles from Glioblastoma Multiforme: Biomarkers with Putative Roles in Carcinogenesis and Potential for Differentiating Tumor Types

“…GBM-derived EVs have been shown to stimulate angiogenesis, tumor cell migration, and glioma cell proliferation, as well as the evasion of apoptosis and the mounting of resistance to drugs [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. GBM-derived EVs favor tumor invasiveness, a common feature of gliomas accounting for their very high local tumor-recurrence rates and consequent lethality [ 21 , 22 ]. The profile of EVs is usually characterized by the presence of CD9, CD63, and CD81 tetraspanins (i.e., biomarkers ubiquitously present on EVs from most cell types), and these markers may change their quantitative levels, reflecting pathological conditions [ 23 ].…”