Delivery of Biomolecules via Extracellular Vesicles: A Budding Therapeutic Strategy.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed particles that are secreted by nearly all cells and play an important role in intercellular communication by transporting protein and nucleic acids between cells. EV-mediated processes shape phenomena as diverse as cancer progression, immune function, and wound healing. The natural role of EVs in encapsulating and delivering cargo to modify cellular function highlights the potential to use these particles as therapeutic delivery vehicles. In this chapter, we describe emerging strategies for EV engineering and consider how different approaches to EV production, purification, and design may impact the efficacy of EV-based therapeutics.