Extracellular Vesicles in Ophthalmology: From Natural Nanocarriers to Engineered Therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) function as natural nanocarriers in intercellular communication.
• EVs possess potential for ocular surface repair and retinal neuroprotection due to low immunogenicity and high biocompatibility.
• Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived EVs (iMSC-EVs) offer enhanced batch uniformity and personalized therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current advancements in utilizing extracellular vesicles (EVs) for ocular applications.
• To explore the bioengineering strategies for enhancing EV functionality in the eye.
• To discuss the challenges and future directions for translating EV-based therapies for eye diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on EVs in ocular biology and therapeutics.
• Analysis of bioengineering techniques for modifying EVs (cargo encapsulation, surface targeting).
• Discussion of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived EVs (iMSC-EVs) and their advantages.

Main Results:

• EVs can be engineered as programmable bioactive carriers for non-viral gene delivery.
• Bioengineering enhances EV tissue penetration, retention, and precision delivery for ocular applications.
• iMSC-EVs present a scalable and potentially personalized therapeutic option.

Conclusions:

• EVs are transitioning from natural mediators to engineered therapeutics for eye diseases.
• Addressing knowledge gaps in ocular EV biology and standardizing manufacturing are crucial for clinical translation.
• Focused clinical trials are necessary to accelerate the development of EV diagnostics and therapeutics for ophthalmic conditions.