Extracellular vesicles as therapeutics for inflammation and infection

Engineered extracellular vesicles: an emerging nanomedicine therapeutic platform

The intercellular communication role of extracellular vesicles has been widely proved in various organisms. Compelling evidence has illustrated the involvement of these vesicles in both physiological and pathological processes. Various studies indicate that extracellular vesicles surpass conventional synthetic drug carriers, owing to their abundance in organisms, enhanced targeting ability and low immunogenicity. Therefore, extracellular vesicles have been deemed to be potential drug carriers for the treatment of various diseases, and related studies have increased rapidly. Here, we intend to provide a comprehensive and in-depth review of recent advances in the sources, delivery function, extraction and cargo-loading technologies of extracellular vesicles, as well as their clinical potential in constructing emerging nanomedicine therapeutic platforms. In particular, microfluidic-based isolation and drug-loading technologies, as well as the treatment of various diseases, are highlighted. We also make comparisons between extracellular vesicles and other conventional drug carriers and discuss the challenges in developing drug delivery platforms for clinical translation.

Extracellular vesicles for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are being considered as a potential therapeutic option for ulcerative colitis (UC), and numerous preclinical studies have been conducted on the use of EVs for UC.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to compare the therapeutic effects of mammalian EVs and placebo on UC in animal models, along with a meta-analysis comparing naïve (unmodified) EVs and placebo. The search was performed in four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE) up to September 13th, 2023. The primary outcomes included disease activity index (DAI), colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI), and adverse effects (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023458039).

Results

A total of 69 studies were included based on pre-determined criteria, involving 1271 animals. Of these studies, 51 measured DAI scores, with 98 % reporting that EVs could reduce DAI scores. Additionally, 5 studies reported CMDI and all showed that EVs could significantly reduce CMDI. However, only 3 studies assessed adverse effects and none reported any significant adverse effects. The meta-analysis of these studies (40 studies involving 1065 animals) revealed that naïve EVs could significantly decrease the DAI score (SMD = -3.00; 95 % CI: -3.52 to -2.48) and CMDI (SMD = -2.10; 95 % CI: -2.85 to -1.35).

Conclusion

The results indicate that mammalian EVs have demonstrated therapeutic benefits in animal models of UC; however, the safety profile of EVs remains inadequate which highlights the need for further research on safety outcomes.

Advances in the study of plant-derived extracellular vesicles in the skeletal muscle system

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEV) constitute nanoscale entities comprising lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and various components enveloped by the lipid bilayers of plant cells. These vesicles play a crucial role in facilitating substance and information transfer not only between plant cells but also across different species. Owing to its safety, stability, and the abundance of raw materials, this substance has found extensive utilization in recent years within research endeavors aimed at treating various diseases. This article provides an overview of the pathways and biological characteristics of PDEV, along with the prevalent methods employed for its isolation, purification, and storage. Furthermore, we comprehensively outline the therapeutic implications of diverse sources of PDEV in musculoskeletal system disorders. Additionally, we explore the utilization of PDEV as platforms for engineering drug carriers, aiming to delve deeper into the significance and potential contributions of PDEV in the realm of the musculoskeletal system.

A quantitative review of nanotechnology-based therapeutics for kidney diseases

Kidney-specific nanocarriers offer a targeted approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce off-target effects in renal treatments. The nanocarriers can achieve organ or cell specificity via passive targeting and active targeting mechanisms. Passive targeting capitalizes on the unique physiological traits of the kidney, with factors like particle size, charge, shape, and material properties enhancing organ specificity. Active targeting, on the other hand, achieves renal specificity through ligand-receptor interactions, modifying nanocarriers with molecules, peptides, or antibodies for receptor-mediated delivery. Nanotechnology-enabled therapy targets diseased kidney tissue by modulating podocytes and immune cells to reduce inflammation and enhance tissue repair, or by inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation to mitigate renal fibrosis. This review summarizes the current reports of the drug delivery systems that have been tested in vivo, identifies the nanocarriers that may preferentially accumulate in the kidney, and quantitatively compares the efficacy of various cargo-carrier combinations to outline optimal strategies and future research directions. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.