Therapeutic applications of exosomes in various diseases: A review

Biomater Adv. 2022 Mar:134:112579. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112579. Epub 2021 Dec 1.

Abstract

Exosomes (30-150 nm in diameter) a subset of extracellular vesicles, secreted by mostly all cells, have been gaining enormous recognition from the last decade. In recent times, several studies have included exosomes to design novel therapeutic applications along with their contribution to diagnostic evaluations and pathophysiological processes. Based on cell origin, they show diverse functions and characteristics. This article is classified into several sections that include exosomes biogenesis, isolation methods, and application as therapeutic tools, commercialized exosome products, clinical trials, benefits, and challenges faced in the progress of exosome-dependent therapeutics. This work aims to give a thorough review of the numerous studies where exosomes act as therapeutic tools in the treatment of various disorders including heart, kidney, liver, and lung illnesses. The clinical trials involving exosomes, their advantages, and hazards, and difficulties involved during storage and large-scale production, applications of nanotechnology in exosome research while applying for therapeutic applications, and future directions are summarized.

Keywords: Exosomes: therapeutic applications; Extracellular vesicles; Nanotechnology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Kidney