M2 Macrophage-Derived Exosomes Facilitate HCC Metastasis by Transferring α_M β₂ Integrin to Tumor Cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is dependent on its local microenvironment. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are deemed a key factor for the tumor microenvironment and attribute to contribute to tumor aggressiveness. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the pro-metastatic effect of TAMs on HCC remains undefined.

Approach and results

The present study proved that TAMs were enriched in HCC. TAMs were characterized by an M2-polarized phenotype and accelerated the migratory potential of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that M2-derived exosomes induced TAM-mediated pro-migratory activity. With the use of mass spectrometry, we identified that integrin, α_M β₂ (CD11b/CD18), was

SUBMITTER: Wu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8360085 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature