Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an essential component of the tumour microenvironment. They represent a heterogeneous group of cells that are under the control of cancer cells and can reversely influence the cancer cell population. They affect the cancer cell differentiation status, and the migration and formation of metastases. This is achieved through the production of the extracellular matrix and numerous bioactive factors. IL-6 seems to play the central role in the communication of noncancerous and cancer cells in the tumour. This review outlines the role of exosomes in cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Available data on the exosomal cargo, which can significantly intensify interactions in the tumour, are summarised. The role of exosomes as mediators of the dialogue between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts is discussed together with their therapeutic relevance. The functional unity of the paracrine- and exosome-mediated communication of cancer cells with the tumour microenvironment represented by CAFs is worthy of attention.

A*STAR Skin Research Labs Biopolis Skin Research Institute of Singapore 8A Biomedical Grove 06 06 Immunos Singapore Singapore 138665 Singapore

BIOCEV 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University 252 50 Vestec Czech Republic

BIOCEV Faculty of Science Charles University 252 50 Vestec Czech Republic

Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Science Charles University 120 00 Prague 2 Czech Republic

Department of Dermatovenereology 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University and General University Hospital 120 00 Prague Czech Republic

Institute of Anatomy 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University 120 00 Prague 2 Czech Republic

Institute of Molecular Genetics Czech Academy of Sciences 142 20 Prague 4 Czech Republic

Institute of Pathological Physiology 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University 120 00 Prague 2 Czech Republic

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