Dendritic cell-derived extracellular vesicles as a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Despite advancements in cancer treatment, existing therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy often face challenges such as treatment resistance and adverse effects, necessitating the exploration of novel approaches. Dendritic cell-derived extracellular vesicles (DEVs) have emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic tool in cancer therapy. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent research on the immunotherapeutic potential of DEV, emphasizing their mechanism of action in the context of cancer treatment. Methods: Eligible studies were identified through comprehensive searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria encompassed original research on DEV’s immunotherapeutic efficacy, while reviews and non-original studies were excluded. Results: Nine studies were included, spanning from 2003 to 2022. The studies demonstrated that DEVs can activate CD8+cytotoxic T-cells, CD4+helper T-cells, and NK cells, thereby inducing potent antitumor immune responses. DEVs from interferon-treated dendritic cells exhibited enhanced antigen-presenting capabilities compared to other sources. DEVs also showed potential in regulating inflammation, with studies indicating suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway in endothelial cells. Conclusion: DEVs represent a promising immunotherapeutic approach for cancer, capable of stimulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. However, challenges such as DEVs’ production variability and the need for standardized purification methods remain. Future research should focus on optimizing DEVs’ production and combining it with other immunotherapies to enhance therapeutic outcomes.