M2 macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles facilitate CD8+T cell exhaustion in hepatocellular carcinoma via the miR-21-5p/YOD1/YAP/β-catenin pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy. CD8(+) T cell-mediated immune response is critical for the inhibition of HCC progression. M2 macrophages participate in HCC progression. This study set out to investigate the effect of M2 macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) on CD8(+) T cell exhaustion in HCC. M2 macrophage-derived EVs were isolated and identified. The murine model of primary HCC was established through DEN/CCl(4) induction, and model mice were injected with EVs. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the mouse liver and CD8(+) T cells were sorted. The expressions of immune checkpoint inhibitory receptors and effector cytokines on CD8(+) T cells were detected, followed by the evaluation of CD8(+) T cell proliferation and killing function. miR-21-5p expression in M2 macrophage-derived EVs was detected. The binding relationship between miR-21-5p and YOD1 was verified. The activation of the YAP/β-catenin pathway was detected. Consequently, M2 macrophage-derived EVs promoted CD8(+) T cell exhaustion in HCC mice. miR-21-5p expression was upregulated in M2 macrophage-derived EVs, and EVs carried miR-21-5p into HCC tissues. miR-21-5p targeted YOD1. Inhibition of miR-21-5p or overexpression of YOD1 annulled the promoting effect of EVs on CD8(+) T cell exhaustion. YOD1 inactivated the YAP/β-catenin pathway. In conclusion, M2 macrophage-derived EVs facilitated CD8(+) T cell exhaustion via the miR-21-5p/YOD1/YAP/β-catenin axis. This study may confer novel insights into the immunotherapy of HCC.