Open Access

Key role of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages in maintaining cancer cell stemness (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Weiqiong Zhang
    • Ruiping Zhou
    • Xin Liu
    • Lin You
    • Chang Chen
    • Xiaoling Ye
    • Jie Liu
    • Youde Liang
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: September 14, 2023     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2023.5574
  • Article Number: 126
  • Copyright: © Zhang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a specific subset of cells found within tumors that are responsible for initiating, advancing and resisting traditional cancer treatments. M2 macrophages, also known as alternatively activated macrophages, contribute to the development and progression of cancer through their involvement in promoting angiogenesis, suppressing the immune system, supporting tumor growth and facilitating metastasis. Exosomes, tiny vesicles released by cells, play a crucial role in intercellular communications and have been shown to be associated with cancer development and progression by influencing the immune response; thus, they may serve as markers for diagnosis and prognosis. Currently, investigating the impact of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages on the maintenance of CSCs is a crucial area of research with the aim of developing novel therapeutic strategies to target this process and improve outcomes for individuals with cancer. Understanding the biological functions of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages and their involvement in cancer may lead to the formulation of novel diagnostic tools and treatments for this disease. By targeting M2 macrophages and the exosomes they secrete, promising prospects emerge for cancer treatment, given their substantial contribution to cancer development and progression. Further research is required to fully grasp the intricate interactions between CSCs, M2 macrophages and exosomes in cancer, and to identify fresh targets for cancer therapy. The present review explores the pivotal roles played by exosomes derived from M2 cells in maintaining the stem‑like properties of cancer cells.
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November-2023
Volume 63 Issue 5

Print ISSN: 1019-6439
Online ISSN:1791-2423

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Zhang W, Zhou R, Liu X, You L, Chen C, Ye X, Liu J and Liang Y: Key role of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages in maintaining cancer cell stemness (Review). Int J Oncol 63: 126, 2023
APA
Zhang, W., Zhou, R., Liu, X., You, L., Chen, C., Ye, X. ... Liang, Y. (2023). Key role of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages in maintaining cancer cell stemness (Review). International Journal of Oncology, 63, 126. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2023.5574
MLA
Zhang, W., Zhou, R., Liu, X., You, L., Chen, C., Ye, X., Liu, J., Liang, Y."Key role of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages in maintaining cancer cell stemness (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 63.5 (2023): 126.
Chicago
Zhang, W., Zhou, R., Liu, X., You, L., Chen, C., Ye, X., Liu, J., Liang, Y."Key role of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages in maintaining cancer cell stemness (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 63, no. 5 (2023): 126. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2023.5574