Biomarkers for Identification of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia-Derived Exosomes

Sapir Cohen, Ariel university, Ariel, israel
Michael A., Chemical Engineering , Ariel University, Ariel, Israel

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of adult leukemia in western countries. CLL is a molecular and clinically heterogeneous disease and clinical staging is commonly made according to the Rai or Binet classifications. New molecular therapies for CLL have recently entered the clinic, but their long-term efficacy ultimately relies of correct and efficient stratification of patients. Additional biomarkers have also been tested but they are currently limited in their reliability and reproducibility. Research indicates that exosomes may play an important role in the development and progression of CLL, raising the prospect that easy detection of CLL-derived exosomes may lead to improved patient stratification and treatment. Exosomes are small microvesicles of 50-100nm diameter secreted by cells into the extracellular environment. They interact with other cells and influence intercellular communication in both homeostasis and disease states. They are recognized as important components of the tumor microenvironment, are involved in cancer metastasis and may play an important role in the progression and survival of CLL cells. Our aim in this  project is to use phage display technology to discover novel peptides that specifically identify CLL-derived exosomes. The these CLL-derived exosome binding peptides will lead to the efficient detection of exosomes as cancer biomarkers and we could find important new applications in the diagnosis, staging, follow up and therapy of CLL patients. Using an animal model of CLL, we are learning how exosome-specific peptides can be used to detect and monitor the disease.