Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a transformative platform in biomedical research, especially in the domains of diagnosis, prophylaxis, and therapeutics. These naturally occurring, cell-free delivery systems are capable of efficiently transporting biomolecules to a wide array of biological targets. Recent advancements in the engineering of EVs have enhanced their capabilities, making them promising tools for a range of applications, including antimicrobial therapies, anti-tumor strategies, and interventions in infectious diseases.

A particularly exciting area of research involves the engineering and application of exosomes—a specific type of EV—in the delivery of vaccine candidates and therapeutics. The unique properties of exosomes, such as their biocompatibility, relative stability, and ability to encapsulate various molecular payloads, position them as a frontier technology within this domain. This proposal seeks to deepen the exploration and development of EVs to revolutionize therapeutic and vaccine delivery.

The primary objectives include enhancing exosome isolation and purification techniques to ensure consistent and pure samples, advancing the engineering of EVs for precise targeting, and developing robust strategies for deploying EVs in vaccine delivery and antiviral therapies. These efforts are vital for maximizing the therapeutic potential of EVs to effectively combat a range of human diseases.

The following areas are particularly ripe for exploration:

1) Innovations in EV Isolation: Developing novel methods for the efficient and scalable isolation of EVs to ensure high-purity and functionality for therapeutic applications.
2) Engineering EVs for Specific Applications: Tailoring EVs to enhance their delivery precision for specific therapeutic targets, thereby increasing their efficacy in clinical applications.
3) Cancer Immunotherapy and Prognostics: Utilizing EVs in the modulation of immune responses
4) against tumors and in cancer prognostics to improve outcomes and personalize treatments.
5)Vaccine Delivery Across Diverse Tissues: Exploring strategies for the use of EVs as delivery vehicles for vaccines, leveraging their ability to traverse various biological barriers and target specific tissues.
6)Roles in T Cell Responses and Biomarkers: Investigating how EVs influence T cell responses, and their potential as biomarkers in detecting and monitoring viral infections.
7)Donor Profiling for Optimized Production: Studying donor variability to optimize exosome production and enhance their application-specific efficacy.

Through this research, we aim to drive significant advancements in the application of EVs, fostering innovation across several interconnected disciplines. Contributions are invited in the form of original research, reviews, mini-reviews, case studies, methods, and perspective articles. These works will promote a comprehensive understanding of EVs in medical science, ultimately leading to more effective and targeted therapeutic strategies.

By advancing the field of EV research, we stand at the brink of transforming how vaccines and therapeutics are delivered, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating infectious diseases and other major health challenges.

The Topic Editors declare no conflict of interest

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The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Advanced Drug and Vaccine Delivery