Exosomes are a kind of multi-vesicular bodies ranging the size from 40 to 200 nm, formed from the intracellular lysosomal invagination. Exosomes can be released from multiple kinds of cells and contain proteins, mRNAs, microRNAs and other genetic materials, which have the functions of exchanging substance, transmitting information among cells and participating in internal physiological and pathological progress. Great attention has been paid to exosomes in the last ten years, especially in the fields of tumor and immune disease occurrence and development, differentiation and regulation of stem cells. However, seldom were investigated about role of exosomes in the central nervous system (CNS). Hence, this paper reviews the physiological functions of exosomes in the CNS and their relationship with occurrence and development of many kinds of diseases. Meanwhile, the diagnostic and therapeutic value of exosomes acting as a marker of disease and potential carrier for treatment in CNS and associated diseases is elucidated.

Exosome; Central nervous system disease; Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease; Multiple sclerosis