Abstract
Exosomes, nanometer-sized lipid-bilayer-enclosed extracellular vesicles (EVs), have attracted increasing attention due to their inherent ability to shuttle proteins, lipids and genes between cells and their natural affinity to target cells. Their intrinsic features such as stability, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity and ability to overcome biological barriers, have prompted interest in using exosomes as drug delivery vehicles, especially for gene therapy. Evidence indicates that exosomes play roles in both immune stimulation and tolerance, regulating immune signaling and inflammation. To date, exosome-based nanocarriers delivering small molecule drugs have been developed to treat many prevalent autoimmune diseases. This review highlights the key features of exosomes as drug delivery vehicles, such as therapeutic cargo, use of targeting peptide, loading method and administration route with a broad focus. In addition, we outline the current state of evidence in the field of exosome-based drug delivery systems in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), evaluating exosomes derived from various cell types and engineered exosomes.
Highlights
Autoimmune diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality associated with chronic disease worldwide, especially in women, who comprise more than90% of affected patients [1,2]
These exogenous cargos classified into three kinds, mainly including small molecule drugs, such as curcumin and glucocorticoids exosomes can be surface‐modified with targeting peptides for a successful exosome‐based drug delivery system
Most autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are characterized by a chronic inflammatory state, the making reduction of inflammation essential in order to treat patient conditions
Summary
Autoimmune diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality associated with chronic disease worldwide, especially in women, who comprise more than. Several investigations point to cell-based therapies, such as stem cell transplantation, to treat SLE [9,10,11], but these are expensive and add to the long-term medical costs associated with the disease. These drawbacks underscore the urgent need to identify safe and effective therapies for SLE prevention and treatment. Exosomes serve as novel biomarkers and predictors of SLE progress Due to their suitable proprieties, as well as their known therapeutic effects, exosomes are attracting the curiosity of researchers to develop exosome-based drug delivery systems. We will narrow our focus to identify the key components enabling successful exosome-based drug delivery, to unravel the potential of exosomes for disease treatment, covering new insights in exosome-based drug and gene delivery for future clinical use in SLE
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
