Exosomes and their roles in major depressive disorder: An overview of the research progress and perspectives

Abstract

Major depressive disorder, a debilitating neurological disorder, remains enigmatic in its etiology, and current treatments are still inadequate. Therefore, unraveling its pathogenesis and discovering novel therapeutics is imperative. Exosomes are small extracellular nanoscale vesicles containing biomolecules, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and have the ability to facilitate intercellular communication. Their potential as diagnostic indicators and therapeutic agents in conditions like autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer has been increasingly recognized. This review briefly introduces the relationship between exosomes and major depressive disorder, providing a systematic overview of how exosomal constituents contribute to the pathogenesis and progression. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of exosome research for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in major depressive disorder, offering a promising avenue for developing more effective clinical strategies.