Exosome-mediated Modulation of Inflammation

The phrase "Anti-inflammatory effect through cytokine/exosome release" does not refer to a specific molecule or receptor but rather describes a **mechanistic process** by which the release of exosomes—small extracellular vesicles—modulates inflammation via their cargo of cytokines and other bioactive molecules. Exosomes can carry both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors depending on their cellular origin. For example, exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells may reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL‑6 while increasing anti-inflammatory mediators like IL‑10 and TGF-beta. Conversely, exosomes from activated immune cells can promote inflammation by delivering miRNAs or proteins that stimulate further cytokine production in recipient cells. This duality means that targeting the process is not equivalent to targeting a single molecular entity; instead, it represents an area for therapeutic intervention where drugs might modulate either the quantity or quality of released exosomes to achieve desired immunomodulatory outcomes[1][2]. Because this entry does not correspond to a discrete protein target but rather an entire biological pathway/process involving multiple molecules (cytokines, various cell-derived exosomes), it is **not considered a canonical therapeutic target** in the sense used for receptors or enzymes. The entry should be flagged as incorrect for structured drug discovery databases seeking individual molecular targets. > "Exosomes... have emerged as key players in the inflammation process... researchers are developing treatments that inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory exosomes or promote the release of exosomes with anti-inflammatory content..."[1] > "Exosome-inflammasome crosstalk... Exosomes secreted by hUCMSCs contain miR‑1246 and/or miR‑181c... can reduce levels of proinflammatory cytokines... increase levels of antiinflammatory cytokines..."[2]

Modulation of exosome release to alter inflammatory cytokine content; Use of exosomes carrying anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory molecules to regulate immune responses