Exosomal ncRNAs facilitate interactive ‘dialogue’ between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages

As a biological carrier, exosomes participate in the communication between various kinds of cells, and can mediate the interactive ‘dialogue’ between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs are the most abundant cell population in the tumor stroma and are an important part of the tumor immune microenvironment. Various stimulating factors in the tumor microenvironment influence the polarization of TAMs into multiple phenotypes, such as M1 and M2. It plays a dual role in tumor immunity by both promoting and inhibiting tumor growth. Exosome-encapsulated non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) participate in the interactive ‘dialogue’ between exosome-mediated TAMs and tumor cells. Tumor-derived exosomal ncRNAs can promote macrophage polarization, whereas exosomal ncRNAs derived from TAMs can affect tumor proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and chemotherapy resistance. The present review summarizes the dual effects of exosomal ncRNAs on tumor cells and TAMs, and discusses the application of exosomal ncRNAs as a potential diagnostic or prognostic marker and drug delivery system, to provide a new perspective and potential therapeutic drugs on targeting exosomes and macrophages in the treatment of tumors.