Focus on Extracellular Vesicles: Development of Extracellular Vesicle-Based Therapeutic Systems

• Main Authors: Shin-ichiro Ohno, Gregor P. C. Drummen, Masahiko Kuroda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-02-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: exosome; microvesicle; extracellular vesicle; dexosome; outer membrane vesicle; stem cell; drug delivery system; vaccine; clinical trial
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/17/2/172
• ISSN: 1422-0067

Many types of cells release phospholipid membrane vesicles thought to play key roles in cell-cell communication, antigen presentation, and the spread of infectious agents. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry various proteins, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), like a “message in a bottle” to cells in remote locations. The encapsulated molecules are protected from multiple types of degradative enzymes in body fluids, making EVs ideal for delivering drugs. This review presents an overview of the potential roles of EVs as natural drugs and novel drug-delivery systems.