Exosomes: emerging biomarkers unveiling cellular mysteries—a narrative review

Abstract

Exosomes have gained recognition as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers due to their stability and disease-specific cargos. Exosomes, once dismissed as cellular debris, are now acknowledged as crucial mediators of intercellular communications and disease. These nanosized vesicles transport dynamic cargos consisting of bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, enabling cells to exchange information and influence each other’s behavior. This review delves into the multifaceted roles of exosomes, particularly their emergence as biomarkers for various diseases. To conduct research for this review, a comprehensive literature search strategy was employed across various databases using keywords related to exosomes, biomarkers, cellular communication, disease diagnosis, and more. Selected articles were evaluated based on their relevance, and data were extracted, synthesized, and categorized according to thematic content. Quality assessment was performed on different types of articles, ensuring robust findings. In cancer, exosomes act as liquid biopsy samples, revealing genetic mutations, and protein markers. The misfolded proteins characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease are carried by exosomes. Moreover, exosomes have been studied as biomarkers for cardiovascular, infectious, and autoimmune diseases. In addition to their functions as biomarkers, exosomes influence the tumor microenvironment, immune response, synaptic plasticity, and tissue regeneration. Challenges remain to fill research gaps and standardize exosome analyses. Exosomes are pivotal in intercellular communication and for disease diagnosis, offering insights into cellular processes, immunity, and regeneration. Future research may reshape our understanding of cellular communication and drive therapeutic interventions. Although challenges must be addressed, exosomes hold undeniable potential for use in personalized medicine and biomedical research.