Understanding the role of regulatory T cell-derived small extracellular vesicles in suppression of anti-tumor immune response: key to advancing cancer immunotherapy
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a distinct T cell subpopulation crucial for preserving immune homeostasis. Their primary function is to facilitate self-tolerance and suppress other immune responses, achieved through multifaceted mechanisms, including the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article (Journal) |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
11 Mar 2026
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| In: |
International reviews of immunology
Year: 2026, Pages: 1-23 |
| ISSN: | 1563-5244 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/08830185.2026.2631464 |
| Online Access: | Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1080/08830185.2026.2631464
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| Author Notes: | Pranav Seth, Subrata Kumar Pore, Sonja Ludwig & Priyanka Sharma |
| Summary: | Regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a distinct T cell subpopulation crucial for preserving immune homeostasis. Their primary function is to facilitate self-tolerance and suppress other immune responses, achieved through multifaceted mechanisms, including the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes, which effectively modulate the activity of other innate and adaptive immune cells. Treg-derived extracellular vesicles (Treg-EVs) are minute, membrane-bound vesicles containing specific biological molecules, comprising proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Upon transfer to target cells, these molecules exert diverse effects on immune responses. The Treg-mediated immune suppression process encompasses several contact-dependent and contact-independent mechanisms. These encompass the expression of various inhibitory receptors, such as CTLA-4, PD-1, CD39, and CD73, which serve to regulate the immune response. Furthermore, Tregs exhibit the capacity to directly eliminate target cells through the expression of perforin and granzyme B. Additionally, Tregs produce immunosuppressive cytokines that play a pivotal role in maintaining immune system equilibrium. Studying the impact of Treg-derived exosomes on the immune system in cancer is crucial for advancing cancer research and treatment. Understanding these interactions is vital for unraveling the potential implications for cancer development and progression. Regulatory T cells, commonly called Tregs, represent a subset of white blood cells that play a pivotal role in modulating the immune system. Often termed suppressor T cells, Tregs are implicated in various immune system disorders when their function is compromised. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from these cells are minute particles, containing molecular components that mirror those of their originating cells and fulfill comparable physiological functions. Recent research has increasingly focused on small EVs derived from Tregs, which are instrumental in regulating immune responses. These vesicles exhibit immunosuppressive properties and are associated with the progression and development of multiple cancer types. This review aims to provide an in-depth examination of the latest findings concerning the classifications and suppressive functions of Treg-derived exosomes, with particular emphasis on their relevance to cancer. |
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| Item Description: | Gesehen am 07.04.2026 |
| Physical Description: | Online Resource |
| ISSN: | 1563-5244 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/08830185.2026.2631464 |