Boosting extracellular vesicle secretion

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, are nanoscale lipid bilayer membrane capsules secreted by cells. They contain proteins and genetic materials for local or systemic cell communications. Multiple EV-based therapies have been developed in recent years as a novel and alternative strategy to cell therapies to treat various medical conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular, neurological and orthopedic diseases. This review discusses novel methods to stimulate EV production and consider their strengths and limitations. We explore physical methods, such as mechanical loading, geometry, acoustic and electrical stimulation, as well as several non-physical protocols, including molecular interference, environmental factors and external inducers.

• 1
  Mechanical loading, such as shear stress or cyclic tension, can significantly increase EV secretion, potentially by over 100-fold.
• 2
  Switching from traditional 2D cell culture to 3D geometries can enhance EV yield, with some studies showing a 3- to 10-fold increase in secretion.
• 3
  Various molecular interventions, like inhibiting glycolysis or manipulating endolysosomal trafficking, can boost exosome production, offering alternative strategies for enhancing EV yield.