Multiple cellular and molecular pathways via exosomal cargo

Multiple cellular and molecular pathways via exosomal cargo refers to the complex biological process of intercellular communication mediated by exosomes, which are small (30–150 nm) extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types. These vesicles encapsulate a diverse array of functional biomolecules, including transcription factors, metabolic enzymes, and various RNA species, protecting them from degradation while in transit to recipient cells (PMID: 23283270). Upon internalization, the exosomal cargo can activate or suppress multiple downstream signaling pathways, effectively reprogramming the physiological or pathological state of the target cell. This mechanism is a critical driver of the tumor microenvironment, where it facilitates angiogenesis and immune evasion, and is also the primary therapeutic driver in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosome therapies (PMID: 26775739, PMID: 30519061). Because this term describes a broad physiological delivery system and a collection of pathways rather than a single discrete molecule, it is classified as a biological mechanism rather than a specific therapeutic target.

Other names

Exosome-mediated signalingExtracellular vesicle-mediated communicationExosomal cargo transportEV-mediated horizontal gene transfer

This term describes a biological transport and signaling mechanism involving the horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules (miRNA, mRNA, proteins, lipids) rather than a specific drug-target interaction.