Engineered exosomes: a promising vehicle in cancer therapy

Abstract

During the past few decades, researchers have attempted to discover an effective treatment for cancer. Exosomes are natural nanovesicles released by various cells and play a role in communication between cells. While natural exosomes have high clinical potential, their inherent limitations have prompted researchers to design exosomes with improved therapeutic properties. To achieve this purpose, researchers have undertaken exosome engineering to modify the surface properties or internal composition of exosomes. After these modifications, engineered exosomes can be used as carriers for delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, targeted drug delivery or development of cancer vaccines. The present study provides an overview of exosomes, including their biogenesis, biological functions, isolation techniques, engineering methods, and potential applications in cancer therapy.