Figure 1.

Role of tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEV) (TEX) in cancer biology. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEX) are involved in intercellular signaling and communication between tumor cells and non-malignant cells residing in the tumor microenvironment. TEX reprogram these cells to acquire functions favoring tumor growth and metastasis. TEX-induced changes include enhancing cancer immune escape, remodeling of the tumor stroma, molecular and metabolic reprogramming, and promotion of angiogenesis. Green arrows indicate the processes stimulated by TEX. Red lines with blunt ends indicate processes inhibited by TEX.