Topic: Engineered Extracellular Vesicles for Neurobiological Diseases

In recent years, the exploration of engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) has emerged as a promising frontier in the field of neurobiology. These nanoscale membrane-bound vesicles, once considered mere cellular debris, are now recognized as mediators of intercellular communication, capable of shuttling bioactive molecules and genetic material between cells. Leveraging advancements in bioengineering, researchers are actively harnessing the potential of engineered EVs for therapeutic interventions in neurobiological diseases.

This Special Issue aims to consolidate the latest research findings and perspectives on the utilization of (engineered) EVs for the diagnosis and treatment of neurobiological disorders. By bringing together contributions from leading experts in the field, we aim to explore the translational potential of engineered EV-based therapies, addressing the challenges and opportunities in their clinical implementation.

Key Topics to Review or Discuss:
1. Engineering Approaches for EV Modification: Strategies for enhancing the targeting specificity and therapeutic payload delivery of engineered EVs.
    ● Keywords: Modification, Targeting, Payload Delivery, Surface Engineering, Bioconjugation.
2. Therapeutic Applications in Neurological Diseases: Exploiting engineered EVs as vehicles for delivering therapeutic agents to mitigate disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, neuropathy, brain tumors, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease.
    ● Keywords: Brain disease, Neurodegeneration, Therapeutic Agents.
3. Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of EVs: Utilizing EVs as biomarkers for the early detection and prognostication of neurological disorders.
    ● Keywords: Biomarkers, Diagnostics, Prognostics, Liquid Biopsy, Disease Monitoring.
4. Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration: Strategies for enhancing EV penetration through the blood-brain barrier to facilitate targeted drug delivery to the CNS.
    ● Keywords: Blood-Brain Barrier, Penetration, Drug Delivery, Gene delivery, Central Nervous System, Nanomedicine.
5. Immunomodulatory Effects in Neuroinflammatory Diseases: Investigating the role of (engineered) EVs in modulating neuroinflammation and autoimmune responses in diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
    ● Keywords: Immunomodulation, Neuroinflammation, Autoimmune Diseases, Multiple Sclerosis, Immune Regulation.

Conclusion:
Through this Special Issue, we endeavor to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration among researchers at the forefront of EV-based neurotherapeutics. By delving into the complexities of EV biology and engineering, we strive to pave the way for innovative approaches toward combating neurobiological diseases and improving patient outcomes.

31 Jan 2025