Fig. 2
From: Cell communication and signaling: how to turn bad language into positive one
The Yin and Yang of exosomes. Exosomes are released by a variety of cell types, including cancerous cells. In this context, exosomes contribute to tumor progression and dissemination. Indeed, they carry malignant information in form of nucleic acids, either mRNAs or miRNAs, or proteins, such as growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, or angiogenic and immuno-regulatory molecules. Through their cargo cancer-derived exosomes can foster different aspects of tumor growth, as neo-vascularization, immune suppression, invasion, dissemination and pre-metastatic niche formation. On the other hand, exosomes, in light of their structure, can be considered as a new generation of a natural nanoscale delivery systems and exploited for therapeutic approaches. Specific cell types can be genetically modified and used as cell factories for the production of armed exosomes, for example carrying onco-suppressor miRNAs, or shRNA, or targeted exosomes, carrying receptors or antibodies for binding to specific cell types. Furthermore, the exosome liposome-like structure allows them to be loaded with various drugs