Exosomes Digest (1/4 June 2025)
- Lisa
- 2. Juni
- 3 Min. Lesezeit
We have collected the most exciting new researches in the field of genetics and cellular research in the past week.
The multifaceted roles of exosomes in corneal biology: elucidation of underlying mechanisms and therapeutic applications
The cornea, as the essential part of the eye with the duty of maintaining transparency and vision, is susceptible to various diseases and genetic abnormalities. Vision loss due to corneal disorders is a global concern, prompting research into innovative treatment approaches. The investigations have provided a significant role that exosomes play in maintaining corneal homeostasis and promoting intercellular communication. The cornea is made up of cellular and acellular components. The cellular components include the epithelial cells, stromal keratocytes, and endothelial cells, which secrete exosomes that contribute to preserving corneal transparency, immune privilege, and tissue repair. These nanosized vesicles contain molecules that regulate immune responses, promote cell proliferation and migration, and protect against stress-induced cell death. In this review, we try to survey the therapeutic potential and effects of exosomes in treating various corneal conditions, which can contribute to enhance corneal healing, reduce scarring, and improve visual outcomes.
Milk‑derived exosomes exert anti‑inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide‑induced RAW264.7 cells by modulating the TLR4/NF‑κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways
Inflammation is a protective response that occurs when the body is injured and is a primary pathological process that occurs in certain diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, osteoarthritis and acute lung injury. Milk‑derived exosomes (M‑Exos) contain various physiologically active substances related to immunity. These substances can act on cells to lessen the damage attributed to inflammation. The present study aimed to extract M‑Exos and explore the protective mechanism of M‑Exos on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells, a mouse macrophage cell line. Ultra‑high speed cryo‑centrifugation was used to extract M‑Exos. Transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blotting were used to identify the M‑Exos. Western blotting, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and ELISA were used to analyze cellular inflammatory factors, oxidative stress factors and relevant inflammatory signaling pathways. These results indicated that treatment with M‑Exos led to a notable recovery in cell viability and an improvement in the intracellular glutathione reduction induced by LPS. Reduced secretion of pro‑inflammatory factors nitric oxide, IL‑6 and TNF‑α were also observed, as well as decreased expression levels of the oxidative stress factors nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‑2. Furthermore, M‑Exos could impact inflammation by regulating the toll‑like receptor 4/NF‑κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and reducing apoptosis. Therefore, M‑Exos may serve as a nutritional component of anti‑inflammatory food, which could influence the occurrence and development of inflammation.
Exosomes and immune modulation: implications for neuroblastoma immunotherapy
Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles involved in cell homeostasis. Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) promote tumor progression by creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), inhibiting T and NK cell activity, preventing dendritic cell maturation, and expanding immunosuppressive cell populations. Cancer Stem Cell (CSC)-derived exosomes further trigger functional changes in immune cells subsets, enhancing immune suppression. Consequently, blocking the release or the uptake of TDEs significantly impact immunotherapy efficacy, making them potential therapeutic targets. On the other hand, NK cell-derived exosomes can be engineered to carry immune-activating molecules or inhibitors of immune checkpoint molecules to elicit immune responses. This review highlights the interplay between TDEs and immune cells, particularly NK cells, in different tumors, with a focus on neuroblastoma, and explores exosome-based strategies to improve immunotherapy efficacy.
