Topic: Extracellular Vesicles as New Tools for Targeted Therapeutic Delivery

In recent years, the advent of novel therapeutic interventions has urged the need for safe, non-immunogenic targeted drug delivery systems, including various nanoparticles such as extracellular vesicles (EVs).

EVs are nanosized membrane-bound particles released into the extracellular space by most cell types. These cells can produce two different types of vesicles: microvesicles and exosomes, which serve as vehicles for intracellular material diffusion. Comprising lipids, proteins, and genetic materials, EVs are involved in major (patho) physiological processes, including cellular homeostasis, neurodegenerative diseases, infection propagation, cancer development, and cardiovascular diseases, among others.

Taking into account their intrinsic ability to transfer bioactive cargo to recipient cells and their biocompatible nature, EVs have gained attention as a rising star for therapeutics. They represent a new system with a dual effect: serving both diagnostic purposes and functioning as drug delivery systems.