Exosome-disrupting peptides for cancer immunotherapy

Exosome-based immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern and ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality. Systemic therapy faces the emergence of resistance, which hinders the clinical benefits. Recent evidence suggests that exosomes, measuring between 30 and 150 nm in size, which impact the antitumor immune responses, making them a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy. Owing to their unique physical and chemical characteristics, exosomes can be tailored and engineered for a range of therapeutic objectives. In the present review, we outline the immunomodulatory functions of exosomes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC, aiming to decipher the underlying mechanisms of exosomes in remodeling suppressive TME. Moreover, we provide detailed and intuitive resource for leveraging the potential of exosomes in immunotherapy, presenting valuable strategies to improve and optimize HCC treatment. Despite the huge therapeutic potential of exosomes, significant challenges persist, including the need for standardization in exosome production, optimization of cargo loading techniques, and the assurance of safety and effectiveness in clinical applications. Addressing these challenges may pave the way for exosome-based immunotherapy for HCC patients.

Exosomal circFAM63Bsuppresses bone regeneration of postmenopausal osteoporosis via regulating miR-578/HMGA2 axis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) affects hundreds of millions of elderly women worldwide. The imbalance between osteoblast-mediated bone formation and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption is the key factor in the progression of PMOP. Recently, exosomal circular RNAs have been considered as critical regulators in physiological and pathological progress. However, their roles in PMOP still require further exploration. Herein, we identified that the expression of exosomal circFAM63B significantly increased in PMOP patients and is closely related to bone density. We further demonstrated that circFAM63B inhibits osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells and bone formation in ovariectomy mice by using a combination of in vitro and in vivo experiment strategies. Mechanistically, circFAM63B promotes HMGA2 expression by inhibiting miR-578, thereby suppressing bone repair. Our study proved that exosomal circFAM63B suppresses the bone regeneration of PMOP by regulating the miR-578/HMGA2 axis, which may provide new insights into the pathogenesis and development of PMOP. Knocking down exosomal circFAM63B could be regarded as a new strategy for the treatment of PMOP.

Exosomal mediators in sepsis and inflammatory organ injury: unraveling the role of exosomes in intercellular crosstalk and organ dysfunction

Sepsis, a severe systemic inflammatory response to infection, remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exosomes, as mediators of intercellular communication, play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of sepsis through modulating immune responses, metabolic reprogramming, coagulopathy, and organ dysfunction. This review highlights the emerging significance of exosomes in these processes. Initially, it provides an in-depth insight into exosome biogenesis and characterization, laying the groundwork for understanding their diverse and intricate functions. Subsequently, it explores the regulatory roles of exosomes in various immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and B cells. This analysis elucidates how exosomes are pivotal in modulating immune responses, thus contributing to the complexity of sepsis pathophysiology. Additionally, this review delves into the role of exosomes in the regulation of metabolism and subsequent organ dysfunction in sepsis. It also establishes a connection between exosomes and the coagulation cascade, which affects endothelial integrity and promotes thrombogenesis in sepsis. Moreover, the review discusses the dual role of exosomes in the progression and resolution of sepsis, exploring their complex involvement in inflammation and healing processes. Furthermore, it underscores their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Understanding these mechanisms presents new opportunities for novel interventions to mitigate the severe outcomes of sepsis, emphasizing the therapeutic promise of exosome research in critical care settings.