Abstract: Exosomes, a nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by cells, contain various bioactive substances such as nucleic acids, proteins and lipids. As signaling molecules, exosomes can transmit contents carrying biological information to target cells, thereby exerting its specific action. There are some differences in the compositions and functions of exosomes from different sources. The physiological functions of milk-derived exosomes in human growth and development have recently become a research hotspot. Exosomes have been documented to have prebiotic effects on infant intestinal development, innate immunity, and the prevention of inflammation. In China, the study on exosomes is still in its infancy. In this article, the formation pathways, composition and functional characteristics of milk-derived exosomes are reviewed. It is expected to provide a reference for the research and development of milk-derived exosomes as a novel prebiotic agent.

Key words: milk-derived exosomes, composition, functional characteristics