Dai Yonghao, Yao Yutong, He Yuquan, Hu Xin
Department of Cardiology, China‑Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China.
Int J Oncol. 2025 Jan;66(1). doi: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5712. Epub 2024 Dec 5.
Cancer poses a significant global health challenge and its progression is intricately connected to the interplay among various cell types and molecular pathways. In recent years, research has focused on the roles of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and exosomes within the tumor microenvironment. Anomalies in tumor vascular integrity and function create a conducive milieu for cancer cell proliferation. Despite efforts in clinical anti‑angiogenic interventions, the anticipated outcomes remain elusive. VECs have the capability to transition into mesenchymal cells through endothelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition, thereby affecting cancer advancement. Exosomes are minute membrane‑bound vesicles generated by cells, serving as vital extracellular elements that facilitate cell‑to‑cell communication. They participate in modulating the tumor microenvironment, thereby influencing tumor progression, metastasis, drug resistance and angiogenesis. Additionally, exosomes serve as efficient carriers for drug delivery, as well as targeting and suppressing tumor cells. In summary, understanding the intricate and interconnected mechanisms of VECs and exosomes in cancer, encompassing tumor angiogenesis, microenvironment modulation and immune regulation, is crucial. A comprehensive exploration of these mechanisms may provide insight into cancer treatment and prevention and yield novel therapeutic targets.
癌症是一项重大的全球健康挑战，其进展与多种细胞类型和分子途径之间的相互作用密切相关。近年来，研究聚焦于肿瘤微环境中血管内皮细胞（VECs）和外泌体的作用。肿瘤血管完整性和功能的异常为癌细胞增殖创造了有利环境。尽管临床进行了抗血管生成干预，但预期效果仍难以实现。血管内皮细胞能够通过内皮-间充质转化转变为间充质细胞，从而影响癌症进展。外泌体是细胞产生的微小膜结合囊泡，作为重要的细胞外成分促进细胞间通讯。它们参与调节肿瘤微环境，进而影响肿瘤进展、转移、耐药性和血管生成。此外，外泌体是药物递送以及靶向和抑制肿瘤细胞的有效载体。总之，了解血管内皮细胞和外泌体在癌症中复杂且相互关联的机制，包括肿瘤血管生成、微环境调节和免疫调节，至关重要。对这些机制的全面探索可能为癌症治疗和预防提供见解，并产生新的治疗靶点。
