%0 Journal Article
%T The Roles of Tumor-Derived Exosomes in Cancer Pathogenesis
%A Chenjie Yang
%A Paul D. Robbins
%J Clinical and Developmental Immunology
%D 2011
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2011/842849
%X Exosomes are endosome-derived, 30–100 nm small membrane vesicles released by most cell types including tumor cells. They are enriched in a selective repertoire of proteins and nucleic acids from parental cells and are thought to be actively involved in conferring intercellular signals. Tumor-derived exosomes have been viewed as a source of tumor antigens that can be used to induce antitumor immune responses. However, tumor-derived exosomes also have been found to possess immunosuppressive properties and are able to facilitate tumor growth, metastasis, and the development of drug resistance. These different effects of tumor-derived exosomes contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. This review will discuss the roles of tumor-derived exosomes in cancer pathogenesis, therapy, and diagnostics.
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/cdi/2011/842849/