Abstract
Exosomes, nanoscale extracellular vesicles (30-150 nm), play a critical
role in intercellular communication by transporting bioactive molecules,
including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These vesicles have
emerged as a transformative tool for drug delivery in brain diseases,
particularly due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier
(BBB), a major challenge in treating central nervous system (CNS)
disorders. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of
exosome-based therapies in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, neuroinflammatory conditions, and brain
tumors like glioblastoma. Exosomes can be engineered to enhance their
targeting precision by modifying their surface to selectively deliver
therapeutic agents to specific brain cells, including neurons, glial
cells, and endothelial cells. This review explores the latest
advancements in optimizing exosome-mediated drug delivery, focusing on
surface modifications and other strategies to improve targeting
efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, exosomes are being
investigated as diagnostic biomarkers for early disease detection and
monitoring, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.
Despite their promise, challenges such as large-scale production, cargo
loading, safety concerns, and regulatory barriers remain. This review
provides an overview of the current state of exosome-based therapies,
critically evaluates the ongoing challenges, and explores future
directions for optimizing their use in brain disease treatment,
emphasizing enhancing targeted delivery and therapeutic efficacy.