The Potential Role of Exosomes in Communication Between Astrocytes and Endothelial Cells.

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by almost all types of cells. Their release allows for the transport of specific regulatory cargo into the recipient cells and the modulation of their activity. Vesicular communication has also been identified as an important mechanism for the regulation of numerous cellular activities in the brain tissue, contributing to proper neuronal functions and brain homeostasis. In this work, we focus on the role of exosomes and extracellular vesicles in the communication between astrocytes and brain endothelial cells, two major components of the blood-brain barrier. We perform a comprehensive review of the latest studies highlighting the role of exosomes in astrocyte-endothelial cell crosstalk within the blood-brain barrier. We have also described the role of particular exosomal miRNAs in the regulation of astrocytes and brain endothelial cell functions, and discuss some future implications.