New insights into Epstein‑Barr virus‑associated tumors: Exosomes (Review)
Wei Chen, Yao Xie, Tingting Wang, Lin Wang
Abstract
Epstein‑Barr virus (EBV) is endemic worldwide and is associated with a number of human tumors. EBV‑associated tumors have unique mechanisms of tumorigenesis. EBV encodes multiple oncogenic molecules that can be loaded into exosomes released by EBV<sup>+</sup> tumor cells to mediate intercellular communication. Moreover, different EBV<sup>+</sup> tumor cells secrete exosomes that act on various target cells with various biological functions. In addition to oncogenicity, EBV<sup>+</sup> exosomes have potential immunosuppressive effects. Investigating EBV<sup>+</sup> exosomes could identify the role of EBV in tumorigenesis and progression. The present review summarized advances in studies focusing on exosomes and the functions of EBV<sup>+</sup> exosomes derived from different EBV‑associated tumors. EBV<sup>+</sup> exosomes are expected to become a new biomarker for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Therefore, exosome‑targeted therapy displays potential.