Outer membrane vesicles: Versatile nanocarriers for therapeutic delivery and immune modulation

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Nanomedicine
• Microbiology and Immunology

Background:

• Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are nanoscale vesicles released by Gram-negative bacteria.
• OMVs possess intrinsic bioactivity and cargo capacity, making them promising for therapeutic delivery and immune modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current understanding of OMV biogenesis, composition, and physicochemical properties.
• To discuss engineering strategies for enhancing OMV functionality.
• To highlight recent advancements and challenges in OMV-based therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on OMV biogenesis, composition, and engineering.
• Analysis of OMV applications in anti-tumor therapy, nanovaccines, and nucleic acid delivery.
• Examination of clinical translation barriers for OMV-based products.

Main Results:

• OMVs can be engineered for controlled targeting, loading, and release.
• Progress has been made in using OMVs for anti-tumor therapy, nanovaccines, and gene regulation.
• Key challenges include endotoxin safety, heterogeneity, manufacturing, and standardization.

Conclusions:

• Engineering OMVs offers a versatile platform for advanced therapeutics.
• Overcoming clinical translation barriers is crucial for developing safe and effective OMV-based products.
• Rational design and robust production are essential for future clinical success.