Role of exosome-associated adenosine in promoting angiogenesis

The role of exosomes in different physiological and pathological settings is an emerging field of great current interest. One hallmark of exosomes is the promotion of blood vessel formation. Exosomes of different cellular origin have been shown to be enriched in angiogenic proteins which directly promote angiogenesis. In addition, exosomes are also efficacious producers of adenosine and potentially encapsulate adenosine in their lumen. The adenosine content of exosomes has been linked to their immunosuppressive effects. In this communication, we consider the possibility that adenosine production by tumor cell-derived exosomes may represent a novel pathway for stimulation of angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment.