Exosomes are common membrane-bound nanovesicles that contain diverse biomolecules, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Exosomes are derived from cells through exocytosis, are ingested by target cells, and can transfer biological signals between local or distant cells. Exosome secretion is a constitutive phenomenon that is involved in both physiological and pathological processes and determines both the exosomal surface molecules and the contents. Hence, we can exploit exosomes as biomarkers, vaccines and drug carriers and modify them rationally for therapeutic interventions. However, it is still a challenge to identify, isolate and quantify exosomes accurately, efficiently and selectively. Further studies on exosomes will explore their potential in translational medicine and provide new avenues for the creation of effective clinical diagnostics and therapeutic strategies; the use of exosomes in these applications can be called exosome theranostics. This review describes the fundamental processes of exosome formation and uptake. In addition, the physiological and pathological roles of exosomes in biology are also illustrated with a focus on how exosomes can be exploited or engineered as powerful tools in translational medicine.

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外泌体治疗诊断学：生物学和转化医学


外泌体是常见的膜结合纳米囊泡，含有多种生物分子，例如脂质、蛋白质和核酸。外泌体通过胞吐作用来源于细胞，被靶细胞摄取，可以在局部或远处细胞之间传递生物信号。外泌体分泌是一种构成现象，参与生理和病理过程，决定外泌体表面分子及其内容物。因此，我们可以利用外泌体作为生物标志物、疫苗和药物载体，并对其进行合理修饰以进行治疗干预。然而，准确、高效、选择性地识别、分离和定量外泌体仍然是一个挑战。对外泌体的进一步研究将探索其在转化医学中的潜力，并为创建有效的临床诊断和治疗策略提供新途径；外泌体在这些应用中的使用可称为外泌体治疗诊断学。这篇综述描述了外泌体形成和摄取的基本过程。此外，还说明了外泌体在生物学中的生理和病理作用，重点是如何利用或设计外泌体作为转化医学中的强大工具。