Multiple cellular pathways via exosome-mediated delivery

Multiple cellular pathways via exosome-mediated delivery refers to the biological process and therapeutic modality of using extracellular vesicles (EVs) to transport bioactive molecules between cells. Exosomes are small (30-150 nm), lipid-bilayer-enclosed vesicles that naturally carry a complex cargo of proteins, lipids, and various RNA species, playing a fundamental role in systemic intercellular communication [1]. In a pharmacological context, this is not a single molecular target like a receptor or enzyme, but rather a delivery platform or a set of biological processes that can be harnessed to transport drugs—such as siRNA, mRNA, or chemotherapeutic agents—directly into target cells [2]. By utilizing the natural uptake mechanisms of exosomes, therapeutic agents can bypass traditional cellular barriers and influence multiple downstream signaling cascades simultaneously, which is particularly useful in treating complex, multi-factorial diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration [3]. However, the complexity of exosome biogenesis and the inherent heterogeneity of their composition present significant challenges for clinical standardization and precise targeting [2]. Citations: [1] Kalluri, R., & LeBleu, V. S. (2020). Science. [2] Théry, C., et al. (2018). Journal of Extracellular Vesicles. [3] Mendt, M., et al. (2019). Bone Marrow Transplantation.

Other names

Exosome-mediated signalingExtracellular vesicle-mediated deliveryEV-mediated transportExosomal drug delivery

Exosomes act as natural delivery vehicles that encapsulate therapeutic cargo (nucleic acids, proteins, or small molecules) and deliver them to recipient cells via membrane fusion, endocytosis, or ligand-receptor interactions, subsequently modulating multiple intracellular signaling pathways [1][3].