Plant-derived extracellular vesicles for cancer therapy: Biological features, therapeutic mechanisms and pharmaceutical applications.

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale particles isolated from plant tissues that carry proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and secondary metabolites, and function as mediators of intercellular communication. PDEVs have been increasingly investigated in both basic research and translational medicine. Owing to their intrinsic anticancer activity, favorable biocompatibility, and capacity for cargo association/loading and delivery, PDEVs are being explored as nanotherapeutics and drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the biological features of PDEVs, their mechanisms of action in cancer therapy, and current strategies for engineering multifunctional PDEV-based therapeutic platforms. Finally, the review discusses their potential as drug delivery platforms and analyzes current strategies, advantages, and challenges related to clinical translation. This review aims to advance understanding of PDEV biology and support their future clinical development.