Biological characteristics of exosomes and genetically engineered exosomes for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents

Abstract

A primary focus of pharmacology is the accurate transport of drugs from the peripheral veins and their delivery to specific tissues and organs. Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles with comparatively enhanced circulation stability, biocompatibility, physicochemical stability and bio-barrier permeation ability, as well as reduced toxicity. Therefore, they are considered a superior drug delivery platform. Core ligands and homing peptides fuse with transmembrane proteins on the exosome surface. Genetically engineered exosomes target specific tissues or organs and agents such as siRNA, miRNA and chemotherapeutics can be loaded into exosomes to improve the regulation of target tissues and organs. Here, we review exosome biogenesis, release, uptake and isolation. We also summarise the current applications of genetically engineered exosomes for tumours, and neurological, cardiovascular and liver diseases.

Keywords:

• Exosome
• drug delivery
• tumour
• neurological disease
• cardiovascular disease
• liver disease
• genetic engineering

Disclosure statement

The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This review is supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31570509) and the grants from the Key Projects of Department of Science and Technology in Gansu Province (No. 1602FkDA001).