Immune System Modulation by Extracellular Vesicles: Implications for Disease Treatment

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, have emerged as crucial mediators of intercellular communication, playing a significant role in immune system modulation. These nanosized vesicles transfer bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, influencing immune responses and contributing to various disease processes, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infections. The dual functionality of EVs capable of either activating or suppressing immune responses depending on their origin and cargo highlights their therapeutic potential. This review explores the mechanisms through which EVs modulate immune functions, their implications in disease pathogenesis, and their innovative applications in therapeutic strategies. In oncology, tumor-derived EVs can promote immune evasion, while engineered EVs show promise as vehicles for targeted drug delivery and cancer immunotherapy. In autoimmune diseases, EVs can either exacerbate inflammation or facilitate tolerance, offering new avenues for treatment. Furthermore, EVs hold potential as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and monitoring due to their stability in bodily fluids and ability to reflect cellular states. However, challenges remain in standardizing EV isolation, characterization, and clinical application. Future advancements in bioengineering, along with improved understanding of EV biology, are crucial for harnessing their therapeutic potential. This review emphasizes the importance of EVs in immune modulation and their promising implications for innovative disease treatment strategies. Keywords: Extracellular vesicles, immune modulation, cancer therapy, autoimmune diseases, biomarkers