Extracellular vesicle therapeutics in Alzheimer’s disease: mechanisms, progress, and prospects

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, characterized by progressive cognitive decline and a current lack of effective curative treatments. In recent years, extracellular vesicle (EV) therapies have emerged as a cutting-edge approach in AD research due to their unique biological properties. This review systematically examines the role of EVs in the pathogenesis of AD, including their cellular origins and functional attributes. We detail the molecular mechanisms mediated by EVs that influence AD progression and summarize the latest advancements in EV-based therapeutic strategies. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges faced in translating these therapies from bench to bedside, such as standardization, delivery optimization, and safety concerns. Future research directions are discussed to foster the development of innovative and effective treatments for AD. By providing a comprehensive overview, this article aims to lay a theoretical foundation and offer valuable insights for the advancement of novel therapeutic interventions targeting AD.

Keywords

Alzheimer’s disease / extracellular vesicles / mesenchymal stem cells / proteomics / traditional Chinese medicine

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