Title:Exosomes as Targeted Delivery Drug System: Advances in Exosome
Loading, Surface Functionalization and Potential for Clinical Application
Volume: 21
Issue: 4
Author(s): Zun Y. Guo, Yue Tang*Yi C. Cheng
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No.639, Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
Keywords:
Exosomes, drug delivery system, surface modification, biothreapy, nanoparticles, nanotechnology.
Abstract: Exosomes are subtypes of vesicles secreted by almost all cells and can play an important role
in intercellular communication. They contain various proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and other natural
substances from their metrocytes. Exosomes are expected to be a new generation of drug delivery systems
due to their low immunogenicity, high potential to transfer bioactive substances and biocompatibility.
However, exosomes themselves are not highly targeted, it is necessary to develop new surface
modification techniques and targeted drug delivery strategies, which are the focus of drug delivery research.
In this review, we introduced the biogenesis of exosomes and their role in intercellular communication.
We listed various advanced exosome drug-loading techniques. Emphatically, we summarized
different exosome surface modification techniques and targeted drug delivery strategies. In addition, we
discussed the application of exosomes in vaccines and briefly introduced milk exosomes. Finally, we
clarified the clinical application prospects and shortcomings of exosomes.