Naeimeh Akbari-Gharalari
1 
, Sina Khodakarimi
1, Farshad Nezhadshahmohammad
2, Mohammad Karimipour
3, Abbas Ebrahimi-Kalan
1* , Jiagian Wu
4,5,61 Department of Neurosciences and Cognition, School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2 Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
3 Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
4 The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
5 Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, UT Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
6 MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Abstract
Introduction: Exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs), are crucial for intercellular communication in various contexts. Despite their small size, they carry diverse cargo, including RNA, proteins, and lipids. Internalization by recipient cells raises concerns about potential disruptions to cellular functions. Notably, the ability of exosomes to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has significant implications.
Methods: To conduct a thorough investigation into the existing academic literature on exosomes within the framework of neuron-glia communication, a comprehensive search strategy was implemented across the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases. Multiple iterations of the keywords "exosome," "neuron-glia communication," and "neurological disorders" were employed to systematically identify relevant publications. Furthermore, an exploration of the Clinicaltrials.gov database was undertaken to identify clinical trials related to cellular signaling, utilizing analogous terminology.
Results: Although the immediate practical applications of exosomes are somewhat limited, their potential as carriers of pathogenic attributes offers promising opportunities for the development of precisely targeted therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. This review presents a comprehensive overview of contemporary insights into the pivotal roles played by exosomes as agents mediating communication between neurons and glial cells within the central nervous system (CNS).
Conclusion: By delving into the intricate dynamics of exosomal communication in the CNS, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the roles of exosomes in both physiological and pathological processes, thereby paving the way for potential therapeutic advancements in the field of neurological disorders.