Effect of plasma-derived Exosomes from head and neck cancer patients on primary Macrophages

Introduction As one of the most immunosuppressive cancers, head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) show an increased NF-κB activation with downstream production of Treg attracting immunosuppressive factors. Plasma-derived exosomes from HNSCC patients contain immune modulatory molecules, which contribute to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we investigate the influence of exosomes on NF-κB signaling and changes in immunosuppressive properties of macrophages.