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Published on: December 5, 2018
Exosomes; multifaceted nanoplatform for targeting brain cancers
Narges Mardi1, Fatemeh Salahpour-Anarjan2, Mahdieh Nemati2
1Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract:
At the moment, anaplastic changes within the brain are challenging due to the complexity of neural tissue, leading to the inefficiency of therapeutic protocols. The existence of a cellular interface, namely the blood-brain barrier (BBB), restricts the entry of several macromolecules and therapeutic agents into the brain. To date, several nano-based platforms have been used in laboratory settings and in vivo conditions to overcome the barrier properties of BBB. Exosomes (Exos) are one-of-a-kind of extracellular vesicles with specific cargo to modulate cell bioactivities in a paracrine manner. Regarding unique physicochemical properties and easy access to various biofluids, Exos provide a favorable platform for drug delivery and therapeutic purposes. Emerging data have indicated that Exos enable brain penetration of selective cargos such as bioactive factors and chemotherapeutic compounds. Along with these statements, the application of smart delivery approaches can increase delivery efficiency and thus therapeutic outcomes. Here, we highlighted the recent advances in the application of Exos in the context of brain tumors.
Insights
Exosomes (Exos) offer a promising solution for brain tumor therapy by crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). These extracellular vesicles can deliver therapeutic agents, enhancing treatment efficacy for challenging neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Anaplastic brain changes pose therapeutic challenges due to neural tissue complexity and the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- The BBB restricts the passage of macromolecules and therapeutic agents into the brain, limiting treatment effectiveness.
- Exosomes (Exos), a type of extracellular vesicle, are being explored for their potential to overcome these delivery limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in utilizing exosomes for brain tumor therapy.
- To highlight the potential of exosomes as a smart delivery platform for brain-penetrant therapeutics.
- To discuss the application of exosomes in overcoming the blood-brain barrier for enhanced drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on exosome-based drug delivery for brain tumors.
- Analysis of exosome physicochemical properties and cargo-loading capabilities.
- Evaluation of exosome efficacy in penetrating the blood-brain barrier and targeting brain tumors.
Main Results:
- Exosomes demonstrate unique physicochemical properties suitable for drug delivery and therapeutic applications.
- Exosomes have shown potential in enabling the brain penetration of therapeutic cargos, including bioactive factors and chemotherapeutics.
- Smart delivery strategies involving exosomes can significantly increase therapeutic delivery efficiency and outcomes for brain tumors.
Conclusions:
- Exosomes represent a promising, natural nanoplatform for overcoming the blood-brain barrier in brain tumor treatment.
- The application of exosomes, particularly with smart delivery approaches, holds significant potential for improving therapeutic outcomes in neuro-oncology.
- Further research into exosome-based therapies is warranted to fully exploit their capabilities for treating complex brain conditions.
