Recent advances in engineered exosome-based therapies for ocular vascular disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Ocular neovascular diseases (ONDs), including corneal neovascularization (CoNV), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR), are leading causes of global vision impairment.
• Current treatments like anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections have limitations including drug resistance and frequent administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in using exosomes as drug delivery platforms for ONDs.
• To explore the mechanisms by which exosomes modulate ocular angiogenesis, inflammation, and repair.
• To address challenges and future perspectives for clinical translation of exosome-based therapies.

Main Methods:

• Critical review of recent scientific literature on exosome applications in ocular neovascular diseases.
• Analysis of exosome properties, including biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and targeting capabilities.
• Examination of mechanistic roles in angiogenesis, inflammation, and tissue repair.

Main Results:

• Exosomes serve as effective natural carriers for bioactive molecules, offering advantages over conventional therapies.
• Exosomes demonstrate potential in modulating key pathological processes in ONDs.
• Significant challenges remain, including scalable production, regulatory approval, and safety validation.

Conclusions:

• Exosomes represent a promising innovative therapeutic strategy for ONDs, potentially revolutionizing treatment.
• Overcoming production and regulatory hurdles is crucial for clinical translation.
• Future research should focus on integrated and personalized exosome-based therapies.