Abstract

Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles, typically ranging between 30 and 150 nanometers, released by a wide variety of cell types. They originate from the inward budding of endosomal membranes, forming multivesicular bodies (MVBs), which subsequently fuse with the plasma membrane to release exosomes into the extracellular space.

These vesicles serve as carriers of a complex cargo composed of proteins, lipids, messenger RNAs, microRNAs, and DNA fragments. Through the horizontal transfer of these biomolecules, exosomes play a fundamental role in modulating gene expression, cellular signaling, and intercellular communication in both nearby and distant target cells.

In physiological contexts, exosomes are involved in numerous critical processes such as immune modulation, tissue regeneration, and neuronal communication. Conversely, in pathological conditions-particularly in cancer-exosomes contribute to tumor progression by enhancing angiogenesis, promoting metastasis, and modulating immune responses in favor of tumor survival.

Due to their stability in biological fluids and their ability to reflect the molecular signature of the originating cells, exosomes have gained increasing attention as promising biomarkers for non-invasive disease diagnosis. Moreover, their natural biocompatibility and targeting properties make them suitable candidates for the development of innovative drug delivery systems, particularly in the fields of oncology, neurology, and regenerative medicine.

Exosomes can be isolated from accessible biological fluids such as blood, urine, and saliva, providing a minimally invasive method for disease monitoring and therapeutic targeting. As research in exosome biology advances, their application in precision medicine is expected to expand significantly.

In conclusion, exosomes represent a novel and powerful platform for both diagnostics and therapeutics, holding great potential to transform current approaches to patient care.