Engineered CD8+ T cell-derived extracellular vesicles induce enhanced anti-cancer efficacy and targeting to lung cancer cells

Causal role of immune cells in lung cancer subtypes: Mendelian randomization study

Lung cancer, characterized by its high incidence and mortality rates, is a challenging malignancy to treat. Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial treatment modality, yet its effectiveness varies significantly among patients due to the diverse immune microenvironment involved. Our study aims to analyze the similarities and differences in immune cell profiles across different subtypes of lung cancer. We employed a comprehensive two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to establish causal connections between immune cells and lung cancer. We examined differential expression of 731 immune cell types and compared their profiles among various lung cancer subtypes. Our analysis revealed that 47 immune cell types exhibited differential expression in lung cancer, with 15 showing a protective effect and 32 having a tumor-promoting effect. Notably, we observed greater similarities in immune cell profile between squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma subtypes, while small cell lung cancerHHHH displayed less overlap with the other two types. Specifically, CD4+ naive T cells showed differential expression across all three lung cancer subtypes, whereas three other immune cell types exhibited differential expression exclusively in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Our findings substantiate a causal link between immune cell dynamics and lung cancer progression. Moreover, our identification of distinct immune cell composition among histological subtypes of lung cancer may serve as a valuable reference for further investigation into immunotherapeutic strategies.

Extracellular vesicle-mediated communication between CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and tumor cells

Tumors pose a significant global public health challenge, resulting in numerous fatalities annually. CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in combating tumors; however, their effectiveness is compromised by the tumor itself and the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in reduced efficacy of immunotherapy. In this dynamic interplay, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as pivotal mediators, facilitating direct and indirect communication between tumors and CD8+ T cells. In this article, we provide an overview of how tumor-derived EVs directly regulate CD8+ T cell function by carrying bioactive molecules they carry internally and on their surface. Simultaneously, these EVs modulate the TME, indirectly influencing the efficiency of CD8+ T cell responses. Furthermore, EVs derived from CD8+ T cells exhibit a dual role: they promote tumor immune evasion while also enhancing antitumor activity. Finally, we briefly discuss current prevailing approaches that utilize functionalized EVs based on tumor-targeted therapy and tumor immunotherapy. These approaches aim to present novel perspectives for EV-based tumor treatment strategies, demonstrating potential for advancements in the field.

Modification of immune cell-derived exosomes for enhanced cancer immunotherapy: current advances and therapeutic applications

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the approach to cancer treatment of malignant tumors by harnessing the body's immune system to selectively target cancer cells. Despite remarkable advances, there are still challenges in achieving successful clinical responses. Recent evidence suggests that immune cell-derived exosomes modulate the immune system to generate effective antitumor immune responses, making them a cutting-edge therapeutic strategy. However, natural exosomes are limited in clinical application due to their low drug delivery efficiency and insufficient antitumor capacity. Technological advancements have allowed exosome modifications to magnify their intrinsic functions, load different therapeutic cargoes, and preferentially target tumor sites. These engineered exosomes exert potent antitumor effects and have great potential for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we describe ingenious modification strategies to attain the desired performance. Moreover, we systematically summarize the tumor-controlling properties of engineered immune cell-derived exosomes in innate and adaptive immunity. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive and intuitive guide for harnessing the potential of modified immune cell-derived exosome-based approaches, offering valuable strategies to enhance and optimize cancer immunotherapy.