Engineering exosomes to reshape the immune microenvironment in breast cancer: Molecular insights and therapeutic opportunities

Abstract

Abstract Background Breast cancer remains a global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. Immunomodulation and immunotherapy have emerged as promising strategies for breast cancer treatment. Engineered exosomes are the sort of exosomes modified with surface decoration and internal therapeutic molecules. Through suitable modifications, engineered exosomes exhibit the capability to overcome the limitations associated with traditional therapeutic approaches. This ability opens up novel avenues for the development of more effective, personalized, and minimally invasive interventions. Main body In this comprehensive review, we explore the molecular insights and therapeutic potential of engineered exosomes in breast cancer. We discuss the strategies employed for exosome engineering and delve into their molecular mechanisms in reshaping the immune microenvironment of breast cancer. Conclusions By elucidating the contribution of engineered exosomes to breast cancer immunomodulation, this review underscores the transformative potential of this emerging field for improving breast cancer therapy. Highlights Surface modification of exosomes can improve the targeting specificity. The engineered exosome‐loaded immunomodulatory cargo regulates the tumour immune microenvironment. Engineered exosomes are involved in the immune regulation of breast cancer.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• engineered exosomes
• immune microenvironment
• immunomodulation
• immunotherapy