Extracellular vesicles in malignant and normal B lymphocyte growth and development

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are central mediators of intercellular communication in both healthy and malignant states. In normal B lymphocyte (cell) biology, EVs derived from B cells, mast cells, T cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells regulate maturation, antigen presentation, and activation. B cell-derived EVs can either suppress excessive activation to maintain immune homeostasis or amplify responses during an active immune response. Modulation of these responses often occurs via phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathways in recipient cells. In B cell malignancies, such as leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma, EVs play pivotal roles in disease progression and therapy resistance. Tumor- and stromal-derived EVs can transfer pro-survival proteins, regulatory RNAs, and drug-resistance factors to directly promote tumor progression. In addition, EVs can shape the tumor microenvironment to indirectly promote tumor progression through macrophage polarization, stromal cell reprogramming, and suppression of anti-tumor immunity. Conversely, under certain conditions, B cell EVs can enhance immune surveillance by stimulating T cells and presenting antigen, highlighting their dual potential in cancer biology. Clinically, B cell-derived EVs represent promising liquid biopsy biomarkers: increases in EV abundance, expression of surface antigens, altered protein cargo, and distinct RNA signatures have been associated with disease stage, treatment response, and patient outcomes. Despite this potential, variability in EV isolation and analysis methods remains a barrier to clinical translation. Moving forward, identifying robust biomarker signatures across platforms and clarifying mechanisms of cargo selection and EV uptake will be critical for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Overall, B cell-derived EVs act as contextual regulators of immune function and malignancy, positioning them as both modulators of disease progression and promising clinical tools.

Keywords

Extracellular vesicles / B lymphocyte / normal development / cancer development / microenvironment

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