Exosomes-derived mesenchymal stem cells in corneal regeneration: Properties and challenges

The field of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has grown rapidly over the last ten years. MSCs' regenerative, and immunomodulatory properties have led to extensive research into them as therapeutic agents for the cell-based management of chronic ocular diseases. However, poor biocompatibility, penetration, and transport to the target ocular tissues restrict the use of MSC-based treatment. The involvement of exosomes in MSC biological functions has been clarified by a growing body of research, which also indicates that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have similar anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, tissue-repairing, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory qualities as MSCs. Recent developments in exosomes produced from MSCs may help address the difficulties MSC therapy faces. MSC-derived exosomes' nanoscale size enables them to quickly cross biological barriers and enter immune-privileged organs. This enables the effective delivery of therapeutic factors, like trophic and immunomodulatory agents, to ocular tissues that are normally difficult for both conventional therapy and MSC transplantation to target. Furthermore, mesenchymal stem cell transplantation hazards are reduced when EVs are used. The properties of EVs produced by MSCs and their biological roles in corneal regeneration are the main topics of this review of the literature.