Document Type : Research Articles
Authors
1
Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences [SIMATS], Saveetha University, Velappanchavadi, PH Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
2
Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences [SIMATS], Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, India.
3
Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences [SIMATS], Saveetha University, Velappanchavadi, PH Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
4
Clinical Pharmacologist, Department of Pharmacy, Sunrise Hospital, Kochi, Kerala, India.
Abstract
The unique extracellular vesicles (EVs) or exosomes formed by the sequential invagination of the plasma membrane are diverse and encompass important constituents with biological functions. Speculations on its cell independent biological functions are significant and pose them as vital biomarkers and as drug delivery vehicles especially in cancer. EVs possess theragnostic values and are known to elicit specific immune response. Exosomes can also serve as potential nanocarriers for delivering miRNA, siRNA, anti-cancer drugs and membrane-associated proteins. Exosomes play a crucial role in regulating tumour progression, metastasis, and angiogenesis. This review thus portrays the multiple facets of exosomes, in concert with the source for exosomes production and further on its regulation and intercellular communication. The review also explores the recent advances, present status and the future prospective in the application of exosomes in cancer therapeutics and cancer diagnostics.
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