Exosomes as Nature's Nano carriers: Promising Drug Delivery Tools and Targeted Therapy for Glioma

• Published in: Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy 2024-12, Vol.182, p.117754, Article 117754
• Main Authors: Rana, Rashmi, Devi, Shamjetsabam Nandibala, Bhardwaj, Amit Kumar, Yashavarddhan, MH, Bohra, Deepika, Ganguly, Nirmal Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blood-brain barrier; Drug delivery; Exosomes; Glioma; Targeted therapy
• ISSN: 0753-3322; 1950-6007; 1950-6007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117754

Exosomes, minute vesicles originating from diverse cell types, exhibit considerable potential as carriers for drug delivery in glioma therapy. These naturally occurring nanocarriers facilitate the transfer of proteins, RNAs, and lipids between cells, offering advantages such as biocompatibility, efficient cellular absorption, and the capability to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In the realm of cancer, particularly gliomas, exosomes play pivotal roles in modulating tumor growth, regulating immunity, and combating drug resistance. Moreover, exosomes serve as valuable biomarkers for diagnosing diseases and assessing prognosis. This review aims to elucidate the therapeutic and diagnostic promise of exosomes in glioma treatment, highlighting the innovative advances in exosome engineering that enable precise drug loading and targeting. By circumventing challenges associated with current glioma treatments, exosome-mediated drug delivery strategies can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs like temozolomide and overcome drug resistance mechanisms. This review underscores the multifaceted roles of exosomes in glioma pathogenesis and therapy, underscoring their potential as natural nanocarriers for targeted therapy and heralding a new era of hope for glioma treatment. [Display omitted] •Exosomes demonstrate significant potential for glioma therapy by facilitating efficient, biocompatible drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).•Play a crucial role in modulating tumor growth, regulating immunity, and overcoming drug resistance in gliomas.•Exosome-mediated delivery systems can improve the performance of conventional chemotherapeutic agents by increasing cellular uptake and reducing side effects.•Exosomes contribute to the complex interplay of glioma development, progression, and resistance, highlighting their significance in understanding tumor biology and therapy.