Exosomes in cerebral diseases - novel form of intercellular communication.

Exosomes are vesicles bordered by a lipid membrane and containing various molecules. Virtually all cells in the body are able to secrete exosomes that can be carried long distances within the body and are capable of altering the function of the receiving cell by means of the contained molecules. The amount and composition of molecules contained in exosomes have been shown to differ in various diseases, whereby exosomes can be utilized in diagnostic purposes. Furthermore, it may be possible to use exosomes for the treatment of diseases, because they can carry therapeutic molecules in the body.