Extracellular vesicles, from the pathogenesis to the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases

Translational Neurodegeneration, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40035-022-00330-0 · Published: December 2, 2022

Simple Explanation

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are like tiny packages secreted by brain cells. These packages act as communicators, carrying important information between cells in the brain. In neurodegenerative diseases, these EVs can contribute to the spread of harmful substances, like amyloid-beta and tau in Alzheimer's disease, or alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. However, EVs can also be used as potential therapeutic agents or drug delivery platforms for the treatment of NDs. Researchers are exploring ways to use EVs to deliver drugs or other therapeutic substances directly to the brain cells affected by these diseases.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
EVs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease.
2
CNS cell-derived EVs can be purified via immunoprecipitation, and EV cargos with altered levels have been identified as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of NDs.
3
Pathological EVs have been considered as therapeutic targets and EVs with therapeutic effects have been utilized as potential therapeutic agents or drug delivery platforms for the treatment of NDs.

Research Summary

This review focuses on recent research progress on the pathological roles of EVs released from CNS cells in the pathogenesis of NDs. It summarizes findings that identify CNS-derived EV cargos as potential biomarkers to diagnose NDs. It comprehensively discusses the promising potential of EVs as therapeutic targets, agents, and drug delivery systems in treating NDs, together with current concerns and challenges for basic research and clinical applications of EVs regarding NDs.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Potential

EVs and their cargos show promise as biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of neurodegenerative diseases, offering a less invasive alternative to current methods.

Therapeutic Target

Targeting pathological EVs to reduce the spread of toxic molecules within the brain could be a novel therapeutic strategy for managing neurodegenerative diseases.

Drug Delivery Platform

Engineered EVs can be used as a targeted drug delivery system to transport therapeutic agents directly to affected brain cells, potentially improving treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.

Study Limitations

1
Technical challenges in isolating EVs and specific types of EVs due to their small size and contaminants.
2
Difficulty in distinguishing between different subtypes of EVs, which can affect diagnostic interpretations.
3
Limited knowledge on EV biogenesis, making it difficult to manipulate EV secretion without disrupting other biological processes.

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