An Innovative Strategy for Treating Neurodegenerative Disorders through Exosome-based Smart Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review.
TL;DR
This review explores the biological properties of exosomes, recent engineering advances to improve their therapeutic potential, and new methods to leverage their versatility for selective delivery of remedial agents to the brain and provides a roadmap for harnessing these methods effectively as medical interventions for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disorders.
Abstract
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are devastating brain disorders. The complex pathophysiology of the diseases and the lack of effective treatments have left them almost unexplored and untreatable. One potential approach to PD and AD therapy development is through exosomes, a delivery system that can be translated from innovative delivery techniques into clinical use. These exosome-based therapeutics will require thorough testing, research-driven refinement of engineering methods, and collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and industry to develop exosome therapeutics for clinical use. This review explores the biological properties of exosomes, recent engineering advances to improve their therapeutic potential, and new methods to leverage their versatility for selective delivery of remedial agents to the brain. In addition, preclinical evidence demonstrates that exosomes can modulate amyloid-β aggregation, α-synuclein pathology, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Yet difficulties related to mass production, maintaining quality, and obtaining regulatory approvals to bring them into clinical practice remain significant limiting factors. The authors point out the therapeutic advantages and drawbacks of exosome-based drug delivery systems. Besides, it provides a roadmap for harnessing these methods effectively as medical interventions for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disorders, thereby promoting more studies in the area. Finally, we outline a conceptual model for translating novel exosome-based delivery methods into clinically applicable treatment modalities for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, thereby encouraging continued exploration in this promising field of research.