Role of exosomes in respiratory diseases
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Abstract
Respiratory diseases are a group of different conditions affecting the airways, including acute lung injury, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated the extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced and secreted by autologous cells are able to induce inflammatory responses and immune activation in respiratory diseases. Exosomes, a type of EVs (30-150 nm) containing nuclear acids, proteins, lipids, and metabolites, can transfer bioactive cargo and have potential implications for disease pathogenesis. Although the biological functions of exosomes in cancer and cardiovascular diseases have been widely addressed, their pathophysiological mechanisms in respiratory disorders are still not completely understood. In this review, we first presented current methodologies in use for exosomes isolation and characterization from biological fluids, such as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, nasal lavage fluid, exhaled breath condensate, sputum supernatant, and blood. And then, we critically discussed the crucial role of exosomes in respiratory diseases, not only focusing on their involvement in the development of airway diseases, but also on their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. A better understanding of these mechanisms will provide opportunities for research on respiratory diseases induced by environmental and occupational exposure to particulate matter in which exosomes contribute to the disease development.
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