ARC exos

ARC exos (ADP-ribosyl cyclase enabled exosomes) is a platform technology for the site-specific chemical reprogramming of exosomes. Developed by researchers at the University of Southern California, the technology involves genetically engineering exosomes to display enzymatically active CD38 (an ADP-ribosyl cyclase) on their surface, typically by fusing it to the C-terminus of the exosome marker CD9. These engineered exosomes are then site-specifically functionalized using covalent inhibitors derived from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), such as 2′-Cl-araNAD+. This approach allows for the precise conjugation of various functional groups, including fluorescent probes, targeting ligands (e.g., folate or bisphosphonates), and cytotoxic payloads (e.g., tubulin inhibitors). Preclinical studies have demonstrated the utility of ARC exos in targeting folate receptor-alpha (FRα)-expressing ovarian cancer cells and in bone-specific delivery.

Other names

ADP-ribosyl cyclase enabled exosomes