Microglial Exosomes: A Nano-Biological Tool for Disease Diagnostics and Therapeutic Interventions in Parkinson’s Disease

Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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Published online: 10 March 2026

Abstract

Microglia are the immune cells of the central nervous system providing the first line defense across the CNS and Blood Brain Barrier. Overactivation of microglia is a pivotal factor in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson's Disease. In our study, the neurotoxin MPTP was used to activated microglial cells, leading to significant disruption in the autophagosome-lysosome fusion resulting in the excessive production of Extracellular Vesicles especially Exosomes - the smallest of the EVs with the size range of 30-100 nm. These exosomes were isolated and characterized using TEM, and NTA to confirm their nanoscale properties. Exosomes are anticipated as a cell-based nano-biological material with both diagnostic and therapeutic properties. To appraise the therapeutic potential, Ar-turmerone a neuroprotective phytocompound from Curcuma longa was selected. To counteract the microglia-induced neurodegeneration, Ar-turmerone will be encapsulated within exosomes for therapeutic approach. Prior to encapsulation, Insilico molecular docking studies were performed to explore the specific binding interaction between the extracellular vesicle proteins with Ar-turmerone to confirm its stability. This integrated approach of our research work emphasizes the dual potential of microglia-derived exosomes as both diagnostic tool and a therapeutic intervention in PD.