Role of tumor-derived secretary small RNAs in EBV related lymphoma

Abstract

EB virus (EBV) is associated with heterogeneous lymphomas. In these lymphomas EBV+ lymphoma cells are embedded in non-neoplastic bystanders: B and T cells, macrophages. Without these bystander cells, the lymphoma cells are incapable of being engrafted in immunodeficient mice. In this context, the bystanders are tumor-supportive "inflammatory niche". Recently, EBV-infected cells produce exosomes that contain EBV specifically encoded miRNAs (EBV-miRNAs). Accordingly, we hypothesized that exosomal EBV-miRNAs might redirect tumor surrounding immune cells from tumor reactive into tumor-supportive "inflammatory niche". The EBV-miRNAs in the exosome secreted from EBV positive lymphoma cells significantly influenced on monocyte/macrophage Mo/Mf in inducing CD69, IL-10, and TNF, suggesting that EBV-miRNAs might polarize Mo/Mf into tumor associated Mf (TAM). EBV-miRNAs were required to develop lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) in vivo mouse model. Moreover, when Mfs were depleted by clodronate liposome, EBV positive tumor cells disappeared. These results suggest that lymphoma-derived secretary EBV-miRNAs regulate Mo/Mf to support the lymphoma survival or development. Most importantly, exosomal EBV-miRNAs derived from the lymphoma cells were transferred to Mf in human EBV+ lymphoma samples, which showed correlation with prognosis.