Unraveling the physiological functions of exosome secretion by tumors

Abstract

To understand the physiological functions of exosomes, we have recently used the inhibition of Rab27a, which prevents exosome release but also alters other secretion pathways. Our work demonstrates that the secretion of exosomes by some tumors in vivo can influence the immune microenvironment to promote tumor progression, but also that this phenomenon cannot be generalized to all tumors and all exosomes. © 2013 Landes Bioscience.