Topic: Microvesicle and Cancer Drug Resistance

Drug resistance poses a significant challenge to the success of cancer therapy. The mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance are multifactorial and complex. Recent evidence increasingly highlights the pivotal roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in immunosuppression, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. EVs are cell-derived membrane-surrounded vesicles that carry various types of molecules, including mutated DNA and RNA fragments, miRNA, LnRNA, proteins, lipids, etc. Released by cells into the extracellular space, these vesicles can be taken up by recipient cells, facilitating the transfer of cellular material. EVs contribute to cancer resistance through intercellular communication between cancer cells and diverse cancer-associated cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, adipocytes, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, stroma cells, and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, as well as at a distance through the bloodstream. Furthermore, EVs can act as decoys, carrying target membrane proteins (receptors) and capturing antibodies intended to target these receptors at the cell surface. Significantly, EVs present opportunities for therapeutic targeting, drug delivery, and diagnostic markers. This Special Issue aims to explore our current understanding of how EVs induce drug resistance and to delve into recent advancements in the pathways of cancer drug resistance mediated by EVs. Additionally, it will characterize the applications of EVs in the ongoing fight against cancer. We sincerely welcome your submissions on topics related to EVs and cancer drug resistance.

31 Jul 2024