Exosomal FABP5 drives HCC progression via macrophage lipid metabolism and immune microenvironment remodeling.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is intricately linked to complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME), where the reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) plays a pivotal role. However, how HCC cells regulate TAM metabolism and function via extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, remains incompletely understood.

Methods

We isolated exosomes from HCC cell lines and co-cultured them with macrophages. Using proteomics, lipid analysis, flow cytometry, and animal models, we evaluated the effects of exosomal FABP5 on macrophage polarization and lipid metabolism. The role of FABP5 in tumor progression was assessed via in vivo experiments.

Results

This study reveals that HCC cells release fatty acid-binding pr

SUBMITTER: Luo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12479467 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature