TY - JOUR AU - LUAN Xin AU - SANSANAPHONGPRICHA Kanokwan AU - MYERS Ila AU - CHEN Hongwei AU - YUAN Hebao AU - SUN Duxin PY - 2017 TI - Engineering exosomes as refined biological nanoplatforms for drug delivery JF - Acta Pharmacologica Sinica; Vol 38, No 6 (June 2017): Acta Pharmacologica Sinica(Special Feature:Cancer Nanobiotechnology) Y2 - 2017 KW - N2 - Exosomes, a subgroup of extracellular vesicles (EVs), have been recognized as important mediators of long distance intercellular communication and are involved in a diverse range of biological processes. Because of their ideal native structure and characteristics, exosomes are promising nanocarriers for clinical use. Exosomes are engineered at the cellular level under natural conditions, but successful exosome modification requires further exploration. The focus of this paper is to summarize passive and active loading approaches, as well as specific exosome modifications and examples of the delivery of therapeutic and imaging molecules. Examples of exosomes derived from a variety of biological origins are also provided. The biocompatible characteristics of exosomes, with suitable modifications, can increase the stability and efficacy of imaging probes and therapeutics while enhancing cellular uptake. Challenges in clinical translation of exosome-based platforms from different cell sources and the advantages of each are also reviewed and discussed. UR - http://www.chinaphar.com/article/view/9607