Nucleic acid functionalized extracellular vesicles as promising therapeutic systems for nanomedicine

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as natural carriers, are regarded as a new star in nanomedicine due to their excellent biocompatibility, fascinating physicochemical properties, and unique biological regulatory functions. However, there are still some challenges to using natural EVs, including poor targeting ability and the clearance from circulation, which may limit their further development and clinical use. Nucleic acid has the functions of programmability, targeting, gene therapy, and immune regulation. Owing to the engineering design and modification by integrating functional nucleic acid, EVs offer excellent performances as a therapeutic system in vivo. This review briefly introduces the function and mechanism of nucleic acid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Then, the strategies of nucleic acid-functionalized EVs are summarized and the latest progress of nucleic acid-functionalized EVs in nanomedicine is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and prospects of nucleic acid-functionalized EVs as a promising diagnostic system are proposed.

Designer Functional Nanomedicine for Myocardial Repair by Regulating the Inflammatory Microenvironment

“…Exosomes have been found to be secreted by endothelial cells, cardiac progenitor cells, cardiac fibroblasts, and cardiomyocytes, suggesting that exosomes play a potentially important role in cardiovascular diseases [46]. Recent advances in extracellular vesicle research have not only highlighted their importance in cardiac physiology and pathology, but also attracted attention since these extracellular vesicles may have utility in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac inflammatory diseases [47], particularly those that are functionalized by nucleic acids [48].…”

Promising use of immune cell‐derived exosomes in the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections

“… 25 On the other hand, Exos have recently received increased attention because, in addition to its capability to promote immunomodulation, it can suppress the immune response by transferring special nucleic acids for targeting signalling pathways. 26 Further, using Exos released by antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) to present multiple epitopes in viral SP types may work to modulate immune responses early and provide protection against severe infections. In addition, Exos can thus be used to inhibit Th17 proliferation and activity by delivering regulatory miRNAs such as miRAN467b or miRNA146a.…”

Engineered extracellular vesicles as intelligent nanosystems for next-generation nanomedicine

“…[54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66] As natural DDVs, EVs demonstrate more attractive characteristics than existing nanotheranostic systems, including enhanced biocompatibility, 67 high-stability, long-circulation lifespans, 68 low-immunogenicity, 69 targeting or tropism capability, high-potential to cross the bloodbrain barrier (BBB), [70][71][72] and pathogen capture characteristics, [73][74][75] providing a unique therapeutic nanoplatform. [76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84] Excitingly, clinical trials for EV-based treatments in humans have been approved and are rapidly increasing. [85][86][87] Although EVs have shown promising performances in preclinical trials, achieving a precise and controllable release of cargo at the target site remains a challenge (Table 1).…”

“…54–66 As natural DDVs, EVs demonstrate more attractive characteristics than existing nanotheranostic systems, including enhanced biocompatibility, 67 high-stability, long-circulation lifespans, 68 low-immunogenicity, 69 targeting or tropism capability, high-potential to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), 70–72 and pathogen capture characteristics, 73–75 providing a unique therapeutic nanoplatform. 76–84 Excitingly, clinical trials for EV-based treatments in humans have been approved and are rapidly increasing. 85–87…”