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Exosomes in Atherosclerosis, a Double-Edged Sword: Their Role in Disease Pathogenesis and Their Potential as Novel Therapeutics

  • Review Article
  • Theme: Rising Stars in Drug Delivery and Novel Carriers
  • Published:
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Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CAD) due to atherosclerosis is a major cause of death worldwide. The development of atherosclerosis involves intercellular communication facilitated by exosomes secreted from vascular endothelial cells (VECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), immune cells, and platelets. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of exosome biogenesis and uptake, and discuss atherogenic and atheroprotective functions of exosomes secreted from these cell types. In addition, we examine the potential of enhancing the therapeutic and targeting ability of exosomes exhibiting atheroprotective function by drug loading and surface modification with targeting ligands. We conclude with current challenges associated with exosome engineering for therapeutic use.

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Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from the National Science Foundation Graduate Student Fellowship awarded to N. J. P., and Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) and NIH New Innovator Award (DP2-DK121328) to E. J. C.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, DRB 140, California, Los Angeles, 90089, USA

    Neil Patel, Deborah D. Chin & Eun Ji Chung

  2. Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, California, Los Angeles, 90033, USA

    Eun Ji Chung

  3. Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, California, Los Angeles, 90089, USA

    Eun Ji Chung

  4. Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, California, Los Angeles, 90033, USA

    Eun Ji Chung

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  1. Neil Patel
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Correspondence to Eun Ji Chung.

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Patel, N., Chin, D.D. & Chung, E.J. Exosomes in Atherosclerosis, a Double-Edged Sword: Their Role in Disease Pathogenesis and Their Potential as Novel Therapeutics. AAPS J 23, 95 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1208/s12248-021-00621-w

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