Targeted mitochondrial delivery: A therapeutic new era for disease treatment

As the major energy supplier in cells, mitochondria play a significant role in regulating cellular processes. The pathogenesis of various diseases is found to be associated with dysfunctional mitochondria, and supplement of functional mitochondria has been regarded as a potential therapeutic strategy. To achieve mitochondrial replenishment, transplantation of isolated mitochondria or utilization of cells as selective mitochondrial carriers have been developed. On the one hand, isolated mitochondria can be internalized into injured cells to restore impaired functions. On the other hand, the natural process of intercellular mitochondrial transfer can replace the dysfunctional mitochondria with functional mitochondria, providing a safe and effective way to rescue damaged tissues. Cell mediated mitochondrial transfer can serve as a promising targeted therapy with mitochondria being high-efficient biotherapeutics. In this review, we summarize the updated findings of mitochondrial delivery strategies, offering an overview of the role of mitochondria, mechanisms of intercellular mitochondrial transfer, therapeutic benefits, challenges and prospects of mitochondrial delivery. The understanding of mitochondrial delivery helps to improve the therapeutic outcomes of mitochondrial dysfunctional diseases in the future.