Role of extracellular vesicles in neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous cell-derived membranous structures that arise from the endosome system or directly detach from the plasma membrane. In recent years, many advances have been made in the understanding of the clinical definition and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, but translation into effective treatments is hampered by several factors. Current research indicates that EVs are involved in the pathology of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD). Besides, EVs are also involved in the process of myelin formation, and can also cross the blood-brain barrier to reach the sites of CNS injury. It is suggested that EVs have great potential as a novel therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we reviewed the advances in understanding the role of EVs in neurodegenerative diseases and addressed the critical function of EVs in the CNS. We have also outlined the physiological mechanisms of EVs in myelin regeneration and highlighted the therapeutic potential of EVs in neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: Demyelinating disease; Extracellular vesicles; Neurodegenerative diseases.