The application of exosomes in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous and invasive breast cancer (BC) subtype that is estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2)-negative. So far, the treatment of TNBC is still ineffective due to the lack of well-defined molecular targets. Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles composed of lipid bilayers. They originate from various types of donor cells and release a complex mixture of contents including diverse nucleic acid types (miRNA, LnRNA, siRNA, and DNA) and proteins; after binding to recipient cells the exosomes release their contents that execute their biological functions. Exosomes have been reported to play an important role in the tumorigenesis of TNBC, including tumor initiation, metastasis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, immune escape, and drug resistance. On the other hand, exosomes can be valuable biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of TNBC. More interestingly, exosomes can be harnessed as a nanosized drug-delivery system specifically targeting TNBC. In this review, we present the most recent mechanistic findings and clinical applications of exosomes in TNBC therapy, focusing on their use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, nanoscale drug delivery platforms, and immunotherapeutic agents. In addition, the associated challenges and future directions of using exosomes for TNBC treatment will be discussed.

Plant-Derived Exosome-like Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications and Regenerative Therapy

“…Exosomes were discovered in 1983 by Eberhard Trams and Rose Johnstone [ 23 , 24 ]. Exosomes are biologically small, nano-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) with a diameter of 30–150 nm and density of 1.13–1.19 g/mL, secreted naturally by almost all eukaryotic cells [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Exosomes are important since these vesicles are similar to cargo-containing molecular components, such as DNA, RNA, lipid, and proteins, which are later released into the extracellular matrix as a form of intercellular communication [ 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”

Advances in Doxorubicin-based nano-drug delivery system in triple negative breast cancer

“…Thus, exosomes are able to deliver various drugs, antigens, and molecules to TNBCs and interact with them via their cell surface markers, allowing TNBCs to apoptose and promote anti-tumor immune responses. This approach has improved the treatment of TNBC patients, increasing their survival and quality of life ( Weaver et al, 2022 ). Thus exosomes as nano-drug carriers for delivery of TNBC have received much attention from researchers.…”

The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Triple-Positive Breast Cancer Progression and Therapeutic Resistance

“…Recent studies have underscored the potential of exosomal miRNAs as a novel avenue for breast cancer treatment [137], especially against triple-negative breast cancer [138].…”