Effects of tumor derived exosomes on T cells markers expression

Abstract Exosomes are 30-120nm bio particles transferred from donor to recipient cells leading to modification in their regulatory mechanisms depending upon the coded message in the form of loaded biomolecule. Cancer cells derived exosomes the true representatives of the parent cells have been found to modify the tumor surrounding/distinct regions and participate in metastasis, angiogenesis and immune suppression. Tis study was aimed to study the effects of tumor mice derived exosomes on the normal mice spleen isolated T cells by using co-culture experiments and flow cytometer analysis. We mainly focused on some of the T cells population and cytokines including IFN-, FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and KI67 (proliferation marker). Overall results indicated random changes in different set of experiments, where the cancer derived exosomes reduced the IFN- expression in both CD4 and CD8 T cells, similarly the Treg cells were also found decreased in the presence of cancer exosomes. No significant changes were observed on the Ki67 marker expression. Such studies are helpful in understanding the role of cancer exosomes in immune cells suppression in tumor microenvironment. Cancer exosomes will need to be validated in vivo and in vitro on a molecular scale in detail for clinical applications.

Resumo Os exossomos são biopartículas de 30-120 nm transferidas de células doadoras para células receptoras, levando à modificação em seus mecanismos reguladores, dependendo da mensagem codificada na forma de biomolécula carregada. Verificou-se que exossomos derivados de células cancerosas os verdadeiros representantes das células-mãe modificam as regiões circundantes / distintas do tumor e participam da metástase, angiogênese e imunossupressão. Este estudo teve como objetivo estudar os efeitos de exossomos derivados de camundongos com tumor nas células T isoladas de baço de camundongos normais, usando experimentos de cocultura e análise de citômetro de fluxo. Concentrou-se, principalmente, em algumas populações de células T e citocinas, incluindo IFN-, células T reguladoras FOXP3 + (Treg) e KI67 (marcador de proliferação). Os resultados gerais indicaram mudanças aleatórias em diferentes conjuntos de experimentos, em que os exossomos derivados de câncer reduziram a expressão de IFN- em células T CD4 e CD8, da mesma forma que as células Treg também foram encontradas diminuídas na presença de exossomos de câncer. Nenhuma mudança significativa foi observada na expressão do marcador Ki67. Esses dados são úteis para a compreensão do papel dos exossomos do câncer na supressão de células do sistema imunológico no microambiente tumoral. Exossomos de câncer precisarão ser validados in vivo e in vitro em escala molecular com detalhes para aplicações clínicas.

Effects of tumor derived exosomes on T cells markers expression / Efeitos de exossomos derivados de tumor na expressão de marcadores de células T

Exosomes are 30-120nm bio particles transferred from donor to recipient cells leading to modification in their regulatory mechanisms depending upon the coded message in the form of loaded biomolecule. Cancer cells derived exosomes the true representatives of the parent cells have been found to modify the tumor surrounding/distinct regions and participate in metastasis, angiogenesis and immune suppression. Tis study was aimed to study the effects of tumor mice derived exosomes on the normal mice spleen isolated T cells by using co-culture experiments and flow cytometer analysis. We mainly focused on some of the T cells population and cytokines including IFN-γ, FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and KI67 (proliferation marker). Overall results indicated random changes in different set of experiments, where the cancer derived exosomes reduced the IFN-γ expression in both CD4 and CD8 T cells, similarly the Treg cells were also found decreased in the presence of cancer exosomes. No significant changes were observed on the Ki67 marker expression. Such studies are helpful in understanding the role of cancer exosomes in immune cells suppression in tumor microenvironment. Cancer exosomes will need to be validated in vivo and in vitro on a molecular scale in detail for clinical applications.

Os exossomos são biopartículas de 30-120 nm transferidas de células doadoras para células receptoras, levando à modificação em seus mecanismos reguladores, dependendo da mensagem codificada na forma de biomolécula carregada. Verificou-se que exossomos derivados de células cancerosas ­ os verdadeiros representantes das células-mãe ­ modificam as regiões circundantes / distintas do tumor e participam da metástase, angiogênese e imunossupressão. Este estudo teve como objetivo estudar os efeitos de exossomos derivados de camundongos com tumor nas células T isoladas de baço de camundongos normais, usando experimentos de cocultura e análise de citômetro de fluxo. Concentrou-se, principalmente, em algumas populações de células T e citocinas, incluindo IFN-γ, células T reguladoras FOXP3 + (Treg) e KI67 (marcador de proliferação). Os resultados gerais indicaram mudanças aleatórias em diferentes conjuntos de experimentos, em que os exossomos derivados de câncer reduziram a expressão de IFN-γ em células T CD4 e CD8, da mesma forma que as células Treg também foram encontradas diminuídas na presença de exossomos de câncer. Nenhuma mudança significativa foi observada na expressão do marcador Ki67. Esses dados são úteis para a compreensão do papel dos exossomos do câncer na supressão de células do sistema imunológico no microambiente tumoral. Exossomos de câncer precisarão ser validados in vivo e in vitro em escala molecular com detalhes para aplicações clínicas.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma derived exosomes regulate the proliferation and migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by mediating the miR-99a-5p BAZ2A axis

Abstract Objectives Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor of nasopharyngeal mucosal epithelium in clinical practice. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the main treatment methods at present, but the therapeutic effect is still unsatisfactory. Studies have shown that exosomes and microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development of cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of NPC derived exosomes on NPC and their molecular mechanisms. Methods Serum was collected from healthy subjects, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infected patients and NPC patients (n = 9 group) and exosomes were extracted separately. High-throughput sequencing of exosomes was performed to screen differentially expressed miRNAs. The function of the screened miRNA was identified by treating NPC cells with exosomes. The target gene of miRNA was identified using the dual-luciferase assay. Real-Time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to determine the levels of miR-99a-5p and Bromodomain Adjacent Tozinc finger domain protein 2A (BAZ2A). Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, and wound healing assay were utilized to detect cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis, and migration ability. The protein levels were evaluated by Western blot. Results MiR-99a-5p was identified as the most significant differentially expressed miRNA in exosomes (p< 0.05). The proliferation and migration of NPC cells were extremely facilitated by exosomes, accompanied by the suppressed apoptosis, upregulated BAZ2A, Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP1), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA), and downregulation of Interleukin (IL)-1β and Nuclear Transcription Factor-κB (NF-κB) (p< 0.05). BAZ2A was a target gene of miR-99a-5p. Furthermore, the regulatory effect of exosomes on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis was significantly abolished by overexpression of miR-99a-5p or downregulation of BAZ2A (p< 0.05). Conclusion NPC derived exosomes facilitated the proliferation and migration of NPC through regulating the miR-99a-5p/BAZ2A axis.

Progress in the potential therapeutic mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for liver fibrosis / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

Liver fibrosis is pathological in most chronic liver diseases. Exosomes secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can regulate liver fibrosis through mechanisms such as inhibition of inflammatory response and proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells, regulation of immune cells and metabolism. Therefore, MSC-derived exosomes can be used as a cell-free therapy for chronic liver disease, expanding new ideas for the treatment of chronic liver disease. Recent researches on MSC-derived exosomes in the treatment of liver fibrosis are reviewed in this article.

Research progress on exosome-based antitumor drug delivery system / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Tumor is the main cause of global related death.Although the existing treatment methods have made significant progress,the lack of specificity and low bioavailability are still the challenge in the treatment.Exosomes are lipid bilayer extracellular vesicles that were released in the range of 30—150 nm when a multi vesicular body(MVB) fuses with plasma membrane,which are important mediators of intercellular communication,and can transport cellular components such as proteins,lipids and nucleic acids to neighboring or distant cells,thus changing the role of recipient cells.Exosomes have been used as natural nano-carriers for drug delivery.After being loaded with antitumor drugs,they can be delivered to the focus for targeted treatment of various tumors,and the therapeutic effect is good.In this paper,the advantages of exosomes-based antitumor drug delivery system,drug loading methods and the research progress of exosomes from different cells in cancer treatment are reviewed so as to provide important basis for the targeted treatment of cancer.

Role of mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes in the treatment of drug-induced liver injury / 临床肝胆病杂志

The incidence rate of drug-induced liver injury （DILI） is increasing year by year with unknown mechanisms， and the treatment methods for DILI mainly include drugs， liver support systems， and liver transplantation， all of which have certain limitations. Therefore， the search for safer and more effective treatment methods has become a research hotspot at present. Studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes can alleviate liver injury by reducing liver inflammation， promoting hepatocyte proliferation and regeneration， inhibiting the apoptosis of hepatocytes， improving oxidative stress， and regulating immunity. This article briefly reviews the role of mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes in the treatment of DILI， so as to provide a reference for further research.

Advances in the study of exosomes in ophthalmic applications / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Exosomes are commonly found in blood, urine, saliva, ascites, amniotic fluid and other body fluids, and are involved in intercellular communication, signal transduction, transport of genetic material, maintenance of internal environmental homeostasis and immune regulation, with a wide range of important biological functions. Exosomes transport proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids to target cells and facilitate intercellular communication.As research continues, they have been found to play important roles in physiological and pathological processes, and are important biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It plays an important role in immunomodulation, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis in many diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and brain diseases. More researches suggest that exosomes also play an important role in the development and progression of ophthalmic diseases. In this review, the research history and biological functions of exosomes, as well as their pathogenesis and prospects for the application in ophthalmic diseases, including corneal diseases, glaucoma, ocular trauma, age-related macular degeneration, uveitis and intraocular tumors, were discussed

Research Progress in Treatment of Malignant Tumors by Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Exosomes / 肿瘤防治研究

Malignant tumor is still one of the malignant diseases with high morbidity and mortality in the world. Its occurrence and development are influenced by various factors. Exosomes are nanoscale secretory vesicles that play an important role in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors, and have intercellular communication functions. The mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine in prevention and treatment of tumors is not yet comprehensive enough. This article discusses the relationship between exosomes and tumor development, relapse, metastasis and drug resistance, and the application of exosomes in the treatment of malignant tumors by traditional Chinese medicine, to provide reference for finding new breakthroughs in the treatment of malignant tumors.

Effect of follicular fluid-derived exosomal mi RNAs on follicular dysplasia mediated via glycolysis of granulosa cells in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its mechanism / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To evaluate the effect of follicular fluid(FF)exosomal miRNAs on follicular dysplasia in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)mediated by glycolysis pathway of granulosa cells(GCs),and to explore the mechanism. Methods Three PCOS infertile patients and three non-PCOS infertile patients were recruited. The baseline hormone levels of the two groups were measured before ovulation induction. The bilateral FF was obtained by puncture after short-acting and long-term ovulation induction,and the exosomes were collected by ultracentrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy. The total exosomal RNA was extracted by Trizol method to construct the library,which was compared to the reference genome GRCh38 for statistical analysis after miRNA sequencing and quality control processing. Clustering Profiler R package was used to implement GO annotation analysis and KEGG pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs),and Omnipath software for miRNAs interaction analysis. A total of 16 miRNA were randomly selected and detected by qPCR to verify the accuracy of the miRNA sequencing results. Results Compared with the non-PCOS group,luteinizing hormone(LH),anti-Muerian hormone(AMH),testosterone and antral follicle counts in PCOS group increased significantly(t = 2. 479 ～ 9. 163,each P < 0. 05). The exosomes of FF in both groups showed the cup-shaped vesicles with clear edge and light staining in the center,with the diameters of 100 — 150 nm and intact structure,and the concentration was about 8 × 1010particles/mL. A total of 928 miRNAs were detected by miRNA sequencing. Compared with the non-PCOS group,59 differentially expressed miRNA(DEmiRNA)were screened out in exosomes of POCS group,of which 31 were up-regulated and 28 were down-regulated. The differential trend of gene expression detected by qPCR was highly similar to that of miRNA sequencing. In FF exosomes of PCOS patients,the glycolysis efficiency and apoptosis of GCs were significantly changed by miRNA regulating mRNA. PKM,PFKL and HK2 were the key target genes for miRNA to regulate GCs glycolysis,and SLC2A1 was the key target gene for miRNA to regulate GCs apoptosis. Conclusion The miRNAs in FF exosomes of PCOS patients can weaken the glycolysis of GCs while accelerate the apoptosis,thus reducing the production of ATP and lactic acid,resulting in follicular dysplasia.

Role of exosomes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma （ICC） is a special type of liver cancer with atypical clinical symptoms in the early stage， and most patients are already in the advanced stage at the time of initial diagnosis. Due to a lack of effective molecular markers and treatment options， ICC patients tend to have an extremely low five-year survival rate. Exosomes are vesicles secreted by cells that contain proteins， RNA， and lipids， and they are important carriers of intercellular communication. Recent studies have shown that exosomes play a crucial role in the development and progression of ICC， and this article reviews the role and mechanism of exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of ICC and looks into the future treatment prospect and potential clinical application of exosomes.

Research progress of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of dry eye / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that facilitate cellular communication by transmitting biomolecules and altering the biochemical characteristics of receptor cells. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes(MSC-Exos)are lipid bilayer vesicles secreted by mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs). These exosomes have similar functions to MSCs and contain bioactive substances such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. MSC-Exos play a vital role in intercellular communication and are involved in essential physiological processes including immune regulation, tissue damage repair, and angiogenesis promotion. Consequently, they have gained significant attention in research, particularly in the treatment of immune inflammatory diseases, ischemic diseases, and other related fields. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the potential treatment mechanisms for dry eye, focusing on the pathogenesis of the condition, including inflammatory reactions, nerve regeneration, and tissue repair. The objective is to establish a foundation for the application of MSC-Exos in the treatment of dry eye, thereby offering a valuable reference for the future clinical applications.

Isolation,extraction and identification of exosomes from non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell culture supernatant / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To isolate,extract and identify exosomes from the culture supernatant of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. Methods Exosomes from supernatant of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells were isolated by ultracentrifugation(Ult)and modified method[Ult combined with Exo Quick~(TM)(Ult-Exo Quick~(TM),U-EQ)],which were determined for the concentration by BCA,measured for the particle size distribution by nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),observed for the morphology by fluorescence staining and transmission electron microscope(TEM),and detected for the expression of CD63 and HSP70 proteins on the surface of exosomes by Western blot. Results The concentrations of exosomes isolated by U-EQ and Ult were 1. 355 and 0. 909 mg/mL,respectively;The total number of particles was 4. 65 × 10~9 and 4. 06 × 10~9 particles/mL,the peak sizes ranged from 81. 5 to 165. 5 and 59. 5 to 176. 5 nm,and the average size was(152. 3 ± 8. 8)and(94. 3 ±9. 8)nm,respectively;The exosomes were all 30～150 nm in diameter,while the morphology of exosomes extracted by U-EQ method was more uniform;CD63 and HSP70 proteins were expressed in all of them,while the exosomes extracted by U-EQ method showed higher expression. Conclusion Both U-EQ and Ult methods can isolate exosomes from the supernatant of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells,while the concentration of exosomes extracted by U-EQ method is higher.

Mechanism of cytotoxic T lymphocyte－derived exosomes inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate whether cytotoxic T lymphocyte （CTL）－derived exosomes can downregulate HBx expression and inhibit hepatic stellate cell （HSC） activation. MethodsThe supernatants of HepG2， HepGA14， and CTL cells were collected to extract exosomes， which were referred to as NC－exo， HBV－exo， and CTL－exo， respectively）. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe their morphology， and Western Blot was used to measure the expression of the markers of exosomes CD63 and TSG101. NC－exo， HBV－exo， and CTL－exo labeled by BODIPY dye were mixed with HBV－exo at different ratios and were then co－cultured with HSC LX－2 （HSC－LX2）. A fluorescence microscope was used to observe whether exosomes could enter LX－2 cells， and an fluorescence microscope was used to observe cell morphological changes； quantitative real－time PCR （qPCR） was used to measure the expression of the activated biomarkers such as transforming growth factor－β1 （TGF－β1）， ɑ－smooth muscle actin （ɑ－SMA）， and collagen type I （Collagen I） in LX－2 cells. CTL－exo was added to the HepGA14 culture system； then qPCR was used to measure the mRNA expression level of HBV DNA， cccDNA， and HBx in exosomes in HepGA14 cells， and Western Blot was used to measure the protein expression level of HBx in exosomes. The t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups； a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsThe exosomes were all microcysts with a double－layer membrane structure and were circular or elliptical in shape， with the expression of the signature proteins CD63 and TSG101， and the vesicles had a diameter of 50－100 nm. The fluorescence microscope showed that exosomes could enter LX－2 cells， and HSC were enlarged with extended cell processes. The results of qPCR showed that there were significant differences in the expression levels of TGF－β1， ɑ－SMA， and Collagen I genes between the NC－exo， HBV－exo， NC－exo+HBV－exo， and Con groups （F=444.678， 417.144， and 571.508， all P<0.05）. After the intervention of HepGA14 cells with CTL－exo， qPCR results showed that compared with the control group， there were significant reductions in the expression levels of HBV DNA and cccDNA in HepGA14 cells （all P<0.05）， the relative mRNA expression level of HBx in exosomes （P<0.05）， and the protein expression level of HBx （P<0.05）. CTL－exo and HBV－exo were mixed at different ratios （2∶1， 5∶1， 10∶1） and were then used for the intervention of LX－2 cells， and qPCR results showed that the expression levels of TGF－β1， ɑ－SMA， and Collagen I genes in LX－2 cells gradually decreased with the increase in the ratio of CTL－exo between groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionCTL－exo can downregulate the protein expression of HBx in HBV－exo to inhibit HSC activation， suggesting that CTL－exo has an anti－hepatitis B liver fibrosis effect.

Non clinical evaluation strategy based on extracellular vesicle therapy / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#The concept of extracellular vesicles(EV) was proposed in 2011 by the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles(ISEV),and EV can be widely used in various fields of disease treatment as therapeutic drugs and drug delivery carriers.The therapy based on EV may become a new model of disease treatment in addition to traditional drug therapy and cell therapy-EV cell-free therapy.As a vector,compared with viral vector and synthetic non viral vector,EV have unique advantages and great potential.However,EV have some challenges in clinical transformation because of their unique biological properties.Moreover,this field is relatively new,and there are no relevant policies and regulations specifically for EV therapy.By collecting information from ClinicalTrials.gov platform,this paper summarized the research progress based on EV therapy,put forward suggestions for the existing regulatory system,discussed the general principles of EV non clinical research,pharmaceutical research,pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics research,safety evaluation and other non clinical evaluation strategies,so as to provide reference for the formulation of non clinical evaluation research scheme based on EV therapy.

Effects of exosome-derived miR-1246 on metastasis and autophagy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To investigate the effects of exosome-derived miR-1246 on metastasis and autophagy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Methods The exosomes of ESCC cells were extracted by exosome extraction kit,the morphology was observed under electron microscope,the particle size was detected by nano-particle size analyzer,and the expression of exosome markers TSG101 and Calnexin was detected by Western blot.The RNA of exosomes of ESCC cells and normal esophageal epithelial cells were sequenced to analyze the differentially expressed miRNAs,which were analyzed by KEGG Pathway enrichment.The expression of miR-1246 in tumor tissues and paracancer tissues of 155 patients with ESCC was evaluated by transcriptome sequencing.The effect of miR-1246 on the migration ability of ESCC cells was detected by Transwell assay and the effect on autophagy was detected by Western blot.Results The exosomes derived from ESCC cells were intact in shape and similar to spherical vesicle-like structure with the particle size of 50～80 nm.The exosome marker TSG101 protein was positive and Calnexin protein was negative.There were 59 common differentially expressed miRNAs between exosomes of ESCC cells and normal esophageal epithelial cells.Exosome miR-1246 was highly expressed in ESCC cells,and the differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly enriched in autophagy metabolic pathway.Exosome miR-1246 was highly expressed in cancer tissues of patients with ESCC.Overexpression of miR-1246 significantly promoted the migration and autophagy of ESCC cells(t=4.119 and 48.150,P <0.05 and <0.001,respectively).Inhibition of miR-1246 expression inhibited the migration and autophagy of ESCC cells(t=9.067 and 51.270,P <0.01 and <0.001,respectively).Conclusion miR-1246 derived from exosomes can significantly affect the metastasis and autophagy of ESCC cells.

Sciatic nerve derived exosomes in promotion of axon regeneration and functional recovery following peripheral nerve injury in rat / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of sciatic nerve derived exosomes(SN-EXO) on axon regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury(PNI).Methods:From March 2021 to October 2022, the Department of Orthopedics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University studied the effect of SN-EXO on the proliferation of Schwann cells(SCs) through EdU cell proliferation experiment. Twenty-one healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of sham operation, peripheral nerve injury(PNI) and SN-EXO treatment, with 7 rats in each group. The right sciatic nerves of rat models in sham group were exposed without injury. In the rat in PNI group and SN-EXO treatment group, PBS and SN-EXO were injected under the epineurium of right sciatic nerves following sciatic nerve crush. Sciatic nerve function index(SFI) was performed at 28 days after operation, and then sacrificed. Right sciatic nerves were removed for further exploration of nerve regeneration. The histopathological changes and axon arrangement of sciatic nerves were evaluated by HE staining. Regeneration efficiency of neurofilaments and SCs were obserred by NF200 and S100β double staining of sciatic nerve. The data obtained were statistically analyzed, and P<0.05 was statistically significant. Results:It was found that SN-EXO can significantly enhance the proliferation ability of SCs, with statistically significant difference( P<0.05). SFI in SN-EXO treatment group and PNI group were(-27.65±4.36) and(-57.33±7.49), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant( P<0.05). Axons in SN-EXO treatment group were arranged more closely and orderly than those in the PNI group at 28 days after operation, and there were less injury induced axon disintegration and vacuolation. Immunofluorescence assay indicated that NF200 and S100β fluorescence intensity in SN-EXO treatment group was significantly higher than that in the PNI group, and the difference was statistically significant( P<0.05). Conclusion:SN-EXO could enhance the proliferation of SCs to promote axon regeneration following peripheral nerve injury.

Progress in the regulatory effects of tumor-derived exosomes on macrophage polarization / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Mononuclear macrophages are versatile cells that can have different responses to various microenvironmental signals. Under different stimuli of circumstances, macrophages can be fully polarized into classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2), which are the extremes of a continuum of functional states. Nuclear factor-κB, cyclooxygenase 2, anoxia status, proto-oncogene MYC, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway and cytokines are all closely involved in the transition of tumor-associated macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype. Macrophages that infiltrate tumor tissues are driven by tumor-derived cytokines to acquire a polarized M2 phenotype. These functionally polarized cells play a key role in the subversion of adaptive immunity and in inflammatory circuits that promote tumor development and progression. Exosomes derived from tumors have the characteristics of tumor cells and could participate in multiple processes of tumorigenesis and development. This review focused on exosomes derived from various cancer cells and discussed the role of the payloads of tumor-derived exosomes in modulating macrophage polarization in the tumor immune microenvironment and the intracellular signal mechanisms involved.

Research progress of human milk exosomes and their effects on intestinal mucosal barrier in neonates / 中华围产医学杂志

Human breast milk-derived exosomes (HMDEs) are newly discovered active signaling vesicles in breast milk, which are rich in nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. These exosomes play an essential role in the development and maturation of the intestinal mucosal barrier in newborns. In addition, HMDEs possess distinctive properties that allow for remodeling and modification, thereby are expected to provide more efficient prevention and treatment strategies for neonatal intestinal diseases. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the origin, isolation, identification, labeling, structural features, composition, and biological functions, and their unique impact on the intestinal mucosal barrier function in newborns.

Progress in therapeutic potential of human breast milk-derived exosomes in neonate necrotizing enterocolitis / 中华围产医学杂志

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the leading causes of neonatal death and no effective therapeutic drugs are currently available. Breastfeeding is a safe and effective preventive measure for NEC. Human breast milk-derived exosomes (HM-exos), which are membranous vesicles in breast milk, play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier and promoting the repair of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) damage through protecting IECs from oxidative stress, improving the proliferation and migration of IECs, maintaining the tight connection between IECs, inhibiting inflammatory response and regulating immune response.

Differential proteomic profiling of breast milk-derived extracellular vesicles from mothers of preterm and term infants / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the differential expression of breast milk-derived extracellular vesicles (BM-EV) from mothers of preterm and term infants .Methods:Breast milk samples were collected from preterm and term delivery (three cases in each) at the Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in 2019. BM-EV was extracted using ultracentrifugation. After preliminary identification of the characteristics of BM-EV, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for protein quantification. Significantly up-regulated differential proteins (fold change≥1.5 and P<0.05) in the preterm group were screened. GO and KEGG were performed to predict the differentially expressed proteins' functional annotation and determine associated signaling pathways. Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were used for intergroup comparisons. Pearson's correlation test describes the correlation of protein quantification values between samples. The differences in protein abundance were compared between the two groups using a t-test, followed by multiple corrections. Additionally, significantly enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways of the differentially expressed proteins were screened based on the hypergeometric distribution. Results:(1) There were three primiparae in the preterm group and one in the term group. Marker proteins CD9, CD81, and HSP70 were enriched in the BM-EV of both groups. (2) Six samples were comparable between groups and showed high reproducibility within groups. The correlation of protein quantification values between samples was up to 0.99. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation was 11.21% for preterm samples and 19.72% for term, and the data values in the preterm group were relative. (3) A total of 945 proteins were identified, and 156 were differentially expressed between preterm and term BM-EV, with 83 significantly up-regulated in preterm BM-EV. In the up-regulated proteins, the top three high-abundance proteins were complemented C4a, fatty acid synthase, and sclerostin domain-containing protein-1. (4) The biological processes or cellular components with the highest enrichment in GO functional prediction were mainly involved in hemoglobin and glycogen biosynthesis, immunological synapse formation, and phagocytosis mediated by the Fc γ receptor signaling pathway. The most relevant KEGG pathways were ribosome-related, complement and coagulation cascades, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and Fc γ receptor-mediated phagocytosis.Conclusion:The significantly up-regulated differential proteins in BM-EV may play a protective role by regulating immunity, gastrointestinal function, and energy metabolism in preterm infants.