Exploring the role of exosomal lncRNA in cancer immunopathogenesis: Unraveling the immune response and EMT pathways

Abstract

Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles secreted by diverse cell types, serving as crucial mediators in intercellular communication and significantly influencing cancer development. Exosomes facilitate complex signaling processes in the tumor microenvironment for immunomodulation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and treatment resistance. Notably, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, engage with mRNA, DNA, proteins, and miRNAs to modulate gene expression through multiple mechanisms, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and epigenetic pathways. The quantitative dynamics of exosomal lncRNAs show a consistent variation correlating with cancer progression and metastasis, suggesting their potential utility as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, exosomal lncRNAs can yield critical insights into therapeutic responses in patients. The identification of exosomal lncRNAs as indicators for various cancer subtypes presents them not only as prognostic tools but also as promising therapeutic targets. Despite their potential, the precise functions of exosomal lncRNAs in the cancer biology landscape remain inadequately understood. This paper delves into the multifaceted roles of exosomal lncRNAs, particularly in the context of breast cancer, highlighting their promise for therapeutic applications. A thorough comprehension of exosomal lncRNAs is imperative for advancing our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of breast cancer, ultimately paving the way for the development of more effective treatment strategies for patients.