The role of melanoma cell-derived exosomes (Mtex) and photodynamic therapy (pdt) within a tumor microenvironment

Bridgette Mkhobongo, Rahul Chandran, Heidi Abrahamse

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), an unconventional cancer therapy with optimistic desir-able effects, utilizes the delivery of a photosensitizer (PS) that is activated by light at a particular wavelength and inducing oxidative cytotoxic damage of a tumor and its surrounding vasculature. Deeper seated tumors such as internally metastasized melanomas are more difficult to treat with PDT as the penetration of laser light to those sites is less. Limitations in targeting melanomas can also be attributed to melanin pigments that hinder laser light from reaching targeted sites. Exosomes serve as naturally occurring nanoparticles that can be re-assembled with PSs, improving targeted cellular absorption of photosensitizing agents during PDT. Additionally, studies indicate that exo-somes released from PDT-treated tumor cells play a critical role in mediating anti-tumor immune responses. This review collates the role of Melanoma Cell-Derived Exosomes (MTEX) in immune response mediation and metastasis. Tumor Cell-Derived Exosomes (TEX) post PDT treatment are also reviewed, as well as the effects of exosomes as carriers of photosensitizers and delivery systems for PDT. The understanding and research on the role of melanoma exosomes induced by Photodynamic Therapy and their tumor microenvironment will assist in future research in treatment prospects and implications.

Original languageEnglish
Article number9726
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume22
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021

Keywords

  • Exosomes
  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs)
  • Melanoma
  • Melanoma cell-derived exosomes (MTEX)
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
  • Photosensitizer (PS)
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
  • Tumor cell-derived exosomes (TEX)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Molecular Biology
  • Spectroscopy
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry

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