2020/09/01 by Thanh Kha Phan, Dilara Ceyda Ozkocak, Dilara C. Ozkocak +2 · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Immunology and Microbiology · #Extracellular vesicles in disease #Phagocytosis and Immune Regulation #RNA Interference and Gene Delivery
paper · pdf · doi:10.1042/bst20200225
openalex publication_date 2020/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound vesicles that are naturally released by cells, have emerged as new therapeutic opportunities. EVs, particularly exosomes and microvesicles, can transfer effector molecules and elicit potent responses in recipient cells, making them attractive therapeutic targets and drug delivery platforms. Furthermore, containing predictive biomarkers and often being dysregulated in various disease settings, these EVs are being exploited for diagnostic purposes. In contrast, the therapeutic application of apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs), a distinct type of EVs released by cells undergoing a form of programmed cell death called apoptosis, has been largely unexplored. Recent studies have shed light on ApoBD biogenesis and functions, promisingly implicating their therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss many strategies to develop ApoBD-based therapies as well as highlight their advantages and challenges, thereby positioning ApoBD for potential EV-based therapy.