Exosome for mRNA delivery: strategies and therapeutic applications

• Published in: Journal of nanobiotechnology Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 395 - 20
• Main Authors: Iqbal, Zoya, Rehman, Khurrum, Mahmood, Ayesha, Shabbir, Maryam, Liang, Yujie, Duan, Li, Zeng, Hui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 04.07.2024; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Animals; Cell organelles; Chemical properties; COVID-19 - therapy; Drug delivery systems; Drug Delivery Systems - methods; Drugs; Exosomes; Exosomes - chemistry; Exosomes - metabolism; Gene Transfer Techniques; Health aspects; Humans; Messenger RNA; mRNA; Nanoparticles; Neoplasms - therapy; Nervous system diseases; Pharmaceutical research; Review; RNA, Messenger - genetics; SARS-CoV-2; Targeted delivery; Technology application; Vehicles; China; Exosomes; Targeted delivery; mRNA
• ISSN: 1477-3155; 1477-3155
• DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02634-x

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic molecule with numerous clinical applications in treating central nervous system disorders, tumors, COVID-19, and other diseases. mRNA therapies must be encapsulated into safe, stable, and effective delivery vehicles to preserve the cargo from degradation and prevent immunogenicity. Exosomes have gained growing attention in mRNA delivery because of their good biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, small size, unique capacity to traverse physiological barriers, and cell-specific tropism. Moreover, these exosomes can be engineered to utilize the natural carriers to target specific cells or tissues. This targeted approach will enhance the efficacy and reduce the side effects of mRNAs. However, difficulties such as a lack of consistent and reliable methods for exosome purification and the efficient encapsulation of large mRNAs into exosomes must be addressed. This article outlines current breakthroughs in cell-derived vesicle-mediated mRNA delivery and its biomedical applications.