Exosomes: Mediators of Cellular Communication and Performers Cell Function

Dear Colleagues,

Exosomes have become a heated topic since more than a decade ago. As one of the small extracellular vesicles (the other is exomere, 35 nm), exosomes (30 -120 nm) are classified as plasma membrane-derived, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids, as well as exosomal markers (CD63, TSG101, CD9, CD81, Alix, HSP70, flotillin, and Syntenin, etc.). Exosomes serve primarily as vehicles that not only protect their cargo but also efficiently transfer them to target cells. Micro RNA is one of the most thoroughly investigated exosomal components, as it has been demonstrated to be a crucial regulator in exosomes that affects cell function and a biomarker used in the humoral diagnosis of illnesses. The exosomal protein is believed to have a substantial role in exosome function because of its large change in abundance from the parent cells. For instance, the immuno-checkpoint proteins transported by exosomes have been the focal point of tumor research. Numerous articles have highlighted the utility of exosomal PD-L1 in early diagnosis and as a therapeutic target in tumor immunotherapy. Unlike miRNA, however, we still know relatively little about exosomal proteins. As just a few studies have demonstrated, mRNA may be transferred to target cells by exosomes and translated into functional proteins. More research is required to determine the role of exosome-derived functional proteins in target cells. Exosomes contain DNA fragments resulting from accumulated cytoplasmic damage to DNA and mitochondria, but their function remains uncertain. Although researchers have made significant strides in researching the function of exosomes, more work is still required to advance our understanding of the intercellular communication capabilities of exosomes. On the basis of diverse engineering methodologies, it is possible to use exosomes to better manage the specific function of target cells, target transport medications, regulate the direction of cell polarization, and enhance immunological response as vaccines. This forthcoming issue will focus on studies regarding the role of exosomes in cellular communication and their applications in controlling cell activity. We welcome in vitro and in vivo experiments. Original research, literature reviews, and mini-reviews are welcome; unfortunately, we cannot accept clinical and epidemiological studies. 

Dr. Qi Li
Guest Editor

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• exosome
• extracellular vesicle
• cellular communication
• miRNAs
• exosomal cargo
• cell function