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Diverse Effects of Exosomes on COVID-19: A Perspective of Progress From Transmission to Therapeutic Developments
Sangiliyandi Gurunathan1, Min Hee Kang1, Jin-Hoi Kim1
1Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new strain of coronavirus and the causative agent of the current global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There are currently no FDA-approved antiviral drugs for COVID-19 and there is an urgent need to develop treatment strategies that can effectively suppress SARS-CoV-2 infection. Numerous approaches have been researched so far, with one of them being the emerging exosome-based therapies. Exosomes are nano-sized, lipid bilayer-enclosed structures, share structural similarities with viruses secreted from all types of cells, including those lining the respiratory tract. Importantly, the interplay between exosomes and viruses could be potentially exploited for antiviral drug and vaccine development. Exosomes are produced by virus-infected cells and play crucial roles in mediating communication between infected and uninfected cells. SARS-CoV-2 modulates the production and composition of exosomes, and can exploit exosome formation, secretion, and release pathways to promote infection, transmission, and intercellular spread. Exosomes have been exploited for therapeutic benefits in patients afflicted with various diseases including COVID-19. Furthermore, the administration of exosomes loaded with immunomodulatory cargo in combination with antiviral drugs represents a novel intervention for the treatment of diseases such as COVID-19. In particular, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used as cell-free therapeutic agents. Mesenchymal stem cell derived exosomes reduces the cytokine storm and reverse the inhibition of host anti-viral defenses associated with COVID-19 and also enhances mitochondrial function repair lung injuries. We discuss the role of exosomes in relation to transmission, infection, diagnosis, treatment, therapeutics, drug delivery, and vaccines, and present some future perspectives regarding their use for combating COVID-19.
Insights
Exosomes, tiny vesicles secreted by cells, show promise for treating COVID-19 by delivering therapeutic cargo. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes can reduce cytokine storms and aid lung repair in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a global pandemic with no FDA-approved antiviral drugs.
- Exosomes, nano-sized vesicles, are implicated in intercellular communication and virus-host interactions.
- SARS-CoV-2 manipulates exosome pathways for its own propagation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of exosome-based strategies for COVID-19 treatment.
- To investigate the role of exosomes in SARS-CoV-2 infection, transmission, and spread.
- To highlight mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exosomes) as a novel cell-free therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on exosome biology and their interaction with SARS-CoV-2.
- Analysis of exosome-mediated communication in virus-infected cells.
- Examination of MSC-Exosomes for immunomodulatory and tissue repair properties.
Main Results:
- Exosomes can be exploited for antiviral drug and vaccine development.
- SARS-CoV-2 hijacks exosome pathways to enhance infection and transmission.
- MSC-Exosomes demonstrate potential to mitigate cytokine storms, restore antiviral defenses, and repair lung injury.
Conclusions:
- Exosome-based therapies, particularly MSC-Exosomes, offer a promising avenue for COVID-19 treatment.
- Targeting exosome pathways presents opportunities for novel therapeutics and drug delivery systems.
- Further research into exosomes' role in COVID-19 is crucial for developing effective interventions.
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