# Defining a novel function for salivary exosomes in modulating host immunity against cancer

> **NIH NIH R03** · LOUISIANA STATE UNIV HSC SHREVEPORT · 2021 · $101,981

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained considerable attention as mediators of intercellular signaling and as
potential sources of cancer biomarkers. Exosomes, which are nanoscale EVs of endocytic origin, are present
in nearly all types of biofluids, carrying a tremendous potential for liquid biopsy and therapeutic applications.
Exosomes deliver cargo containing immunoregulatory molecules such as receptors, ligands, antigens, and/or
cytokines. This cargo can be reflective of the cell of origin and have effects on recipient cells. Salivary
exosomes have been identified as highly informative nanovesicles with clinically relevant information. Salivary
exosomes have brought forth a pathway and mechanism in which tumor-derived biomarkers can be shuttled
through the systemic circulating into the oral cavity. Despite such clinical potential, the role of salivary
exosomes for the host and tumor has been greatly understudied. We hypothesize that salivary exosomes
have immunomodulatory effects through mucosal immune system. In this project, we will determine the unique
peptide repertoire loading salivary exosomes in the setting of tumor. Identifying the salivary peptides that can
activate or inhibit lymphocytes will provide new insights into the immune control of tumor and may uncover
novel targets and strategies for immunotherapeutics. Moreover, identifying novel tumor- or host-derived
antigens released into saliva will provide not only insight into its potential regulatory function but also the
diagnostic value.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10534606
- **Project number:** 7R03DE029272-03
- **Recipient organization:** LOUISIANA STATE UNIV HSC SHREVEPORT
- **Principal Investigator:** Taichiro Nonaka
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $101,981
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2022-01-03 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10534606

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10534606, Defining a novel function for salivary exosomes in modulating host immunity against cancer (7R03DE029272-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10534606. Licensed CC0.

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