Targeting Inflammatory Vasculature by Extracellular Vesicles

AAPS J. 2018 Feb 26;20(2):37. doi: 10.1208/s12248-018-0200-2.

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell membrane-derived compartments that regulate physiology and pathology in the body. Naturally secreted EVs have been well studied in their biogenesis and have been exploited in targeted drug delivery. Due to the limitations on production of EVs, nitrogen cavitation has been utilized to efficiently generate EV-like drug delivery systems used in treating inflammatory disorders. In this short review, we will discuss the production and purification of EVs, and we will summarize what technologies are needed to improve their production for translation. We describe the drug-loading processes in EVs and their applications as drug delivery systems for inflammatory therapies, focusing on a new type of EVs made from neutrophil membrane using nitrogen cavitation.

Keywords: drug delivery; extracellular vesicles; inflamed endothelium; neutrophils.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Extracellular Vesicles / chemistry
  • Extracellular Vesicles / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Neutrophils / cytology
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Nitrogen / chemistry

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Nitrogen