Exosomes are cell-secreted nanoparticles containing various molecules including small vesicles,
microRNAs (
miRNAs), messenger RNAs or bioactive
proteins which are thought to be of paramount importance for intercellular communication. The unique effects of exosomes in terms of cell penetration capacity, decreased immunogenicity and inherent stability, along with their key role in mediating information exchange among
tumor cells and their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), render them a promising platform for
drug targeted delivery. Compared to
synthetic drugs, exosomes boast a plethora of advantages, including higher biocompatibility, lower toxicity and increased ability of tissue infiltration. Nevertheless, the use of artificial exosomes can be limited in practice, partly due to their poor targeting ability and partly due to their limited efficacy. Therefore, efforts have been made to engineer stem cell-derived exosomes in order to increase selectiveness and effectivity, which can then become loaded with various active substances depending on the therapeutic approach followed.
Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular receptors (EPHs), along with their
ligands, the EPH family receptor interacting
proteins (
ephrins), have been extensively investigated for their key roles in both physiology and
cancer pathogenesis. EPHs/
ephrins exhibit both tumorigenic and
tumor suppressing properties, with their targeting representing a promising, novel therapeutic approach in
cancer patients' management. In our review, the use of
ephrin-loaded exosomes as a potential therapeutic targeted delivery system in
cancer will be discussed.