Fig. 2
From: Role of exosomes in the development, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Exosomes play a dual role in HCC development. Tumor growth inhibitory effect: HCC exosomes carry tumor antigens that are taken up by dendritic cells (DCs), which activate the immune system, induce T-cell and dendritic cell-mediated anti-tumor responses, and promote anti-tumor immune responses, thereby inhibiting tumor survival and growth. Tumor growth acceleration: HCC cells promote tumor progression by facilitating immune escape of tumor cells through exosome-mediated clearance phase, staging phase, and escape phase