Extracellular vesicle-based macromolecule delivery systems in cancer immunotherapy

J Control Release. 2022 Aug:348:572-589. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.014. Epub 2022 Jun 18.

Abstract

Great attention has been paid to the impressive role the macromolecules played in cancer immunotherapy, however, the applications were largely limited by their poor circulation stability, low cellular uptake efficiency, and off-target effects. As an important messenger of intercellular communication, extracellular vesicles (EVs) exhibit unique advantages in macromolecule delivery compared to traditional synthetic carriers, offering new possibilities for modern drug delivery. These naturally derived carriers can achieve stable, efficient, and selective delivery of macromolecules and improve the efficacy and potentiality of macromolecular drugs in cancer immunotherapy. This review provides a brief overview of the unique features of EVs related to macromolecule delivery, the strategies and recent advances of using EVs as macromolecule delivery carriers in cancer immunotherapy.

Keywords: Biodistribution; Cancer immunotherapy; Drug delivery; Extracellular vesicles; Macromolecular drugs.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Communication
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Extracellular Vesicles*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy