role of CML exosomes in the crosstalk between chronic myelogenous leukaemia and bone marrow-derived cells

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles (30–100 nm) derived from the luminal membranes of multivesicular bodies and constitutively released by fusion with the cell membrane (1). Exosomes mediate local and systemic cell communication through the presence of cytokines, growth factors and others molecules. It is well recognized that bone marrow–derived cells (BMDCs) are crucial for the generation of a suitable microenvironment for the primary tumor and the development of metastasis through a process called pre-metastatic niche formation. Secreted factors are known contributors to BMDC recruitment to both the primary tumor and to pre-metastatic niches (2) and in particular exosomes may have a role…