Tumor-associated macrophages, exosomes and tumor metastasis: a mini-review

摘要

Tumor invasion and metastasis is the primary cause of death in patients with malignant tumors. Tumor-associated macrophages are macrophages that infiltrate the tumor tissue, and are the most frequent immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. The macrophages could secrete a variety of cytokines and can recognize, identify and clear the tumor cells. As the tumor develops, it plays a vital role in the growth, invasion and metastasis of the cancer. However, the underline mechanisms of how the tumor-associated macrophages promoting tumor metastasis is still not fully understood. Present studies demonstrated that macrophage-related exosomes might play an essential role in tumor metastasis. Exosomes may provide potential targets for the prevention and treatment of macrophage-related tumor metastasis.