Dendritic cell-derived exosomes for cancer therapy

J Clin Invest. 2016 Apr 1;126(4):1224-32. doi: 10.1172/JCI81137. Epub 2016 Apr 1.

Abstract

DC-derived exosomes (Dex) are nanometer-sized membrane vesicles that are secreted by the sentinel antigen-presenting cells of the immune system: DCs. Like DCs, the molecular composition of Dex includes surface expression of functional MHC-peptide complexes, costimulatory molecules, and other components that interact with immune cells. Dex have the potential to facilitate immune cell-dependent tumor rejection and have distinct advantages over cell-based immunotherapies involving DCs. Accordingly, Dex-based phase I and II clinical trials have been conducted in advanced malignancies, showing the feasibility and safety of the approach, as well as the propensity of these nanovesicles to mediate T and NK cell-based immune responses in patients. This Review will evaluate the interactions of Dex with immune cells, their clinical progress, and the future of Dex immunotherapy for cancer.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / pathology
  • Exosomes / immunology*
  • Exosomes / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular*
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology