Multiple cellular pathways via exosome cargo delivery

Multiple cellular pathways via exosome cargo delivery refers to a sophisticated mechanism of intercellular communication where small, membrane-bound extracellular vesicles (30–150 nm) transport bioactive molecules between cells. These exosomes are formed within the endosomal compartment as intraluminal vesicles and are released upon the fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. They carry a diverse payload of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that reflect the physiological state of the donor cell, protecting these molecules from extracellular degradation. Upon uptake by recipient cells, the exosomal cargo can simultaneously influence multiple signaling cascades, such as the Wnt, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways, thereby altering the recipient cell's phenotype (Kalluri & LeBleu, Science, 2020). In clinical contexts, this process is a double-edged sword; while it is essential for normal immune and developmental signaling, it is frequently hijacked by cancer cells to promote angiogenesis, immune evasion, and the establishment of pre-metastatic niches. Therapeutically, exosomes are being explored as highly biocompatible delivery systems for synthetic drugs, siRNAs, and proteins, offering advantages over traditional nanoparticles in terms of reduced toxicity and enhanced tissue penetration. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of exosome secretion or uptake is being investigated as a strategy to halt the progression of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's, where exosomes facilitate the spread of pathogenic factors (Pegtel & Gould, Annu Rev Biochem, 2019).

Other names

Exosome-mediated intercellular communicationExtracellular vesicle (EV) cargo deliveryExosome-mediated signalingParacrine signaling via exosomes

Exosomes function as specialized delivery vehicles that encapsulate bioactive molecules—including proteins, lipids, mRNA, and microRNA (miRNA)—within a protective lipid bilayer. These vesicles are secreted into the extracellular space and subsequently interact with recipient cells through ligand-receptor binding, endocytosis, or direct membrane fusion. Once internalized, the cargo is released into the recipient cell's cytoplasm, where it can directly modulate gene expression, enzymatic activity, and various intracellular signaling pathways (Kalluri & LeBleu, Science, 2020; Pegtel & Gould, Annu Rev Biochem, 2019).