Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles: mechanisms and molecular understanding in neurological disorders with potential therapeutic applications

Exosomes are nano vesicles secreted by the cells that play an essential role in intercellular communication, enabling the transport of bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Among them, plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles have attracted considerable interest due to their prospective therapeutic implications, especially for neurological disorders. This article provides an overview of the biogenesis of plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles, compares their characteristics with mammalian-derived exosomes, and investigates their bioavailability and chemical composition. The article also discusses the mechanisms through which they are uptaken by cells, highlighting several cellular uptake pathways and their significance for targeted drug delivery. Moreover, it explains the molecular basis of neurological disorders and investigates how plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles regulate intracellular signaling pathways, providing potential therapeutic benefits. Finally, it provides the latest advancements in engineering research, emphasizing biochemical modifications on the exosomal surface, loading therapeutic molecules into exosomes, and exosomes derived from genetically engineered plants, for more effective therapies in neurological disorders.