Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for Keratoconus: A Novel Therapeutic Approach

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal disease with limited therapeutic options.
• Current treatments for KC focus on halting disease progression, not reversing damage.
• Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) offer regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current evidence on the use of MSC-Exo for treating KC.
• To evaluate the potential of MSC-Exo as a cell-free therapy for KC.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) investigating MSC-Exo effects on corneal cells and tissues.
• Analysis of existing data on the safety and feasibility of MSC-Exo for ocular applications.

Main Results:

• MSC-Exo demonstrated enhancement of keratocyte proliferation, reduction of corneal fibrosis and inflammation, modulation of extracellular matrix proteins, and promotion of epithelial wound healing in preclinical models.
• Exosomes derived from various MSC sources exhibited therapeutic efficacy.
• Early clinical data suggest safety and feasibility for ocular use.

Conclusions:

• MSC-Exo represent a promising therapeutic strategy for KC by targeting key pathological mechanisms.
• Further clinical investigation is warranted to establish MSC-Exo as a viable treatment for keratoconus.