Regulation and Mechanisms of Exosome Cargo Selection and Secretion

Exosomes, which are double-layered nanoscale vesicles, belong to a category of extracellular vesicles and are released by diverse cells following the fusion of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the plasma membrane. They play a crucial role in intercellular communication by carrying specific cargo, including proteins, lipids, RNAs, and metabolites. Exosomes are involved in various processes, such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, antigen presentation, inflammation, cell homeostasis, proliferation, differentiation, and signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the sorting of cargo into exosomes and their secretion have not been fully elucidated. This review aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in exosome cargo sorting and secretion, along with techniques for labeling exosomes, which are valuable for studying exosome secretion and delivery. These investigations lay a solid foundation for understanding the physiological and pathological functions of exosomes and advancing their clinical applications.