This study elucidates a novel intercellular communication mechanism underlying radiotherapy resistance in cervical cancer, focusing on the functional role of cancer-associated fibroblast-derived exosomes (CAF-Exo) in modulating redox homeostasis and cell death pathways. We demonstrate that CAF-Exo serve as critical vehicles for transferring radioresistant phenotypes to tumor cells through coordinated regulation of antioxidant defense systems and copper-dependent cell death processes. Our findings reveal that CAF-Exo activate the Nrf2-HO-1 signaling axis while simultaneously suppressing key cuproptosis regulators, establishing a dual-pathway mechanism for treatment resistance. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) was identified as the essential molecular cargo within these exosomes, functioning as a master regulator of this protective cellular response. The pathological significance of this pathway was confirmed through comprehensive functional assays showing that BMP4 knockdown effectively restored radiosensitivity in vitro and significantly enhanced radiotherapy efficacy in vivo. These results uncover a previously unrecognized biological axis wherein tumor-stroma interactions mediated by exosomal BMP4 orchestrate a sophisticated defense mechanism against radiotherapy-induced stress. This study elucidates key molecular mechanisms underlying treatment resistance and highlights potential therapeutic targets for cervical cancer, offering a basis for future intervention strategies.
Chi et al. (2026) studied this question.