Extracellular vesicles: Novel promising delivery systems for therapy of brain diseases
David Rufino-Ramos, Patrícia R. Albuquerque, Vitor Carmona, Rita Perfeito, Rui Jorge Nobre, Luis Pereira de Almeida
Index: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.07.001
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Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane vesicles virtually secreted by all cells, including brain cells. EVs are a major term that includes apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes. The release of EVs has been recognized as an important modulator in cross-talking between neurons, astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes, not only in central nervous system (CNS) physiology but also in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disease states as well as in brain tumors, such as glioma. EVs are able to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), spread to body fluids and reach distant tissues. This prominent spreading ability has suggested that EVs can be exploited into several different clinical applications ranging from biomarkers to therapeutic carriers.