Stem Cell Research & Therapy (Jun 2024)

CAR-T cell-derived exosomes: a new perspective for cancer therapy

  • Farnaz Sani,
  • Shabnam Shojaei,
  • Seyed Amirhossein Tabatabaei,
  • Mohammadhossein Khorraminejad-Shirazi,
  • Mona Latifi,
  • Mahsa Sani,
  • Negar Azarpira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03783-4
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 16

Abstract

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Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell adoptive immunotherapy is a promising cancer treatment that uses genetically engineered T cells to attack tumors. However, this therapy can have some adverse effects. CAR-T cell-derived exosomes are a potential alternative to CAR-T cells that may overcome some limitations. Exosomes are small vesicles released by cells and can carry a variety of molecules, including proteins, RNA, and DNA. They play an important role in intercellular communication and can be used to deliver therapeutic agents to cancer cells. The application of CAR-T cell-derived exosomes could make CAR-T cell therapy more clinically controllable and effective. Exosomes are cell-free, which means that they are less likely to cause adverse reactions than CAR-T cells. The combination of CAR-T cells and exosomes may be a more effective way to treat cancer than either therapy alone. Exosomes can deliver therapeutic agents to cancer cells where CAR-T cells cannot reach. The appropriate application of both cellular and exosomal platforms could make CAR-T cell therapy a more practicable treatment for cancer. This combination therapy could offer a safe and effective way to treat a variety of cancers.

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