Fig. 1

The main functions of exosomes in cancer. Exosome biogenesis results from inward budding forming intralumenal vesicles that accumulate and result in the formation of multivesicular bodies (MVB). The MVB then moves to the plasma membrane, fuses and releases endosomes. As a result of the process of their formation, exosomes contain unique cargo signatures which include proteins, nucleic acids, growth factors, tetraspanins and lipids. Because of their natural ability to shuttle signaling molecules, these EVs have the ability to be engineered to contain specific cargo to be used as drug delivery platforms for treating disease. They also have an excellent capacity as immune modulators and can send signals to reprogram malignant cells