Harnessing genetically engineered cell membrane-derived vesicles as biotherapeutics

Abstract

Cell membrane-derived vesicles (CMVs) are particles generated from living cells, including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and artificial extracellular vesicles (aEVs) prepared from cell membranes. CMVs possess considerable potential in drug delivery, regenerative medicine, immunomodulation, disease diagnosis, etc . owing to their stable lipid bilayer structure, favorable biocompatibility, and low toxicity. Although the majority of CMVs inherit certain attributes from the original cells, it is still difficult to execute distinct therapeutic functions, such as organ targeting, signal regulation, and exogenous biotherapeutic supplementation. Hence, engineering CMVs by genetic engineering, chemical modification, and hybridization is a promising way to endow CMVs with specific functions and open up novel vistas for applications. In particular, there is a growing interest in genetically engineered CMVs harnessed to exhibit biotherapeutics. Herein, we outline the preparation strategies and their characteristics for purifying CMVs. Additionally, we review the advances of genetically engineered CMVs utilized to target organs, regulate signal transduction, and deliver biomacromolecules and chemical drugs. Furthermore, we also summarize the emerging therapeutic applications of genetically engineered CMVs in addressing tumors, diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and cardiovascular diseases.