Role of Exosomes and Their Potential as Biomarkers in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Exosomes are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. Research on exosomes is critical, since understanding the pathogenesis of diseases is crucial for their diagnosis and treatment. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected cells have been found to secrete exosomes for intercellular communication. Exosomal pathways play vital roles in the pathogenesis of EBV-related malignancies. This review aims to summarize the role of exosomes in EBV-associated gastric cancer and to serve as a basis for future diagnostic and therapeutic development. ABSTRACT: Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles ranging from 30 to 150 nm and comprising many cellular components, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites, encapsulated in a lipid bilayer. Exosomes are secreted by many cell types and play important roles in intercellular communication in cancer. Viruses can hijack the exosomal pathway to regulate viral propagation, cellular immunity, and the microenvironment. Cells infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the most common oncogenic viruses, have also been found to actively secrete exosomes, and studies on their roles in EBV-related malignancies are ongoing. In this review, we focus on the role of exosomes in EBV-associated gastric cancer and their clinical applicability in diagnosis and treatment.