Table 1 Various features of exosomes
Feature | Description | Relevance in cancer | References |
|---|---|---|---|
Size | 40–100 nm | Enables circulation in various body fluids | [121] |
Origin | Formed inside multivesicular bodies (MVBs) via endosomal pathway | Reflects cellular state of origin (normal vs. malignant) | |
Membrane | Lipid bilayer rich in cholesterol and tetraspanins (CD63, CD81, CD9) | Facilitates cell targeting and cargo protection | [122] |
Cargo | miRNAs, lncRNAs, mRNAs, DNA, proteins (e.g., HSPs, MHCs), lipids | Enables gene regulation in recipient cells | [124] |
Functions | Intercellular communication, immune modulation, angiogenesis, metastasis | Alters tumor microenvironment; supports progression and drug resistance | [125] |
Applications | Diagnostics, prognostics, drug delivery, therapeutic targets | Liquid biopsy potential; engineered exosomes for miRNA delivery | [126] |