The Therapeutic Potential and Clinical Significance of Exosomes as Carriers of Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Drug delivery system (DDS) realizes the drug delivery process through the drug carrier. As an important part of DDS, the selection of the drug carrier material is extremely critical, which requires the carrier material to possess excellent biocompatibility and targeting and not affect the pharmacological action of the drug. As one of the endogenous extracellular vesicles, exosomes are 30–100 nm in diameter, which are considered a new generation of a natural nanoscale delivery system. Exosomes secreted by different types of cells carry signaling molecules (such as proteins and nucleic acid) playing an important role in cell behaviors. Owing to their ability to specialize in intercellular communication, exosomes provide a distinctive method to deliver therapeutic drugs to target cells. In this concept, exosomes as the natural liposomes carry endogenous biomolecules, have excellent biocompatibility, and could be loaded with cargo both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, modifications by genetic and/or chemical engineering to part of the exosome surface or complement the desired natural effect may enhance the targeting with drug loading capability. Notably, exosomes weakly react with serum proteins prolonging cargo half-life. Overall, exosomes as natural carriers integrate the superiority of synthetic nanocarriers and cellular communication while precluding their limitations, which provides novel and reliable methods for drug delivery and treatment. Our review focuses on the therapeutic potentials and clinical values of exosomes as a carrier of drug delivery system in multiple diseases, including cancer, nervous, immune, and skeletal system diseases.

Assessing biomarkers for post‐surgical wound healing: A meta‐analysis of exosome‐based CircRNA in breast cancer recovery

“…The significance of exosomes as drug delivery vectors, specifically in the context of targeted therapy, has been shed light on in recent developments. The proposition put forth in our study that exosome modification may facilitate the development of improved drug delivery systems aligns with the groundbreaking investigation conducted by Li et al, in which exosomes were effectively utilized to deliver targeted genes into breast cancer models 27 …”

“…The proposition put forth in our study that exosome modification may facilitate the development of improved drug delivery systems aligns with the groundbreaking investigation conducted by Li et al, in which exosomes were effectively utilized to deliver targeted genes into breast cancer models. 27 The patient demographics of our study shed light on inequities that existed in breast cancer diagnostics and treatment efficacy with regard to inclusivity. Cultural and socioeconomic influences on outcomes of breast cancer treatment by Azin et al serve as sobering reminder of the persistent inequities in the healthcare system.…”

Research Advances of Engineered Exosomes as Drug Delivery Carrier

“…The stability of exosomes to drug molecules allows for long-distance transport of various cargos under physiological and pathological conditions . With the continuous efforts of researchers, various types of natural exosomes loaded with cargos or surface modified have shown excellent therapeutic effects for a variety of diseases …”

The role of exosomes in cancer‐related programmed cell death

“…33,34 Moreover, exosomes are more targeted to cancer, and their adhesion and internalization in tumor cells are much higher than those of liposomes. 35…”

“…They have low toxicity and immunogenicity, which overcomes the immune response and accumulation of toxicity caused by liposomes, and their lipid bilayer membrane effectively is resistant to enzyme degradation in the bloodstream 33,34 . Moreover, exosomes are more targeted to cancer, and their adhesion and internalization in tumor cells are much higher than those of liposomes 35 …”