Exosomes Secreted from Human Cancer Cell Lines Contain Inhibitors of Apoptosis (IAP).

Exosomes are endosomal-derived nanovesicles released by normal and tumor cells which have been shown to transfer functionally active protein, lipids, mRNAs and miRNAs between cells. Varying in molecular profiles, biological roles, functional roles and protein contents, exosomes have been described as "multi-purpose carriers" playing a role in supporting the survival and growth of tumor cells. The IAP Survivin has been found to be present in tumor exosomes.