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Inhalable extracellular vesicles as cell-free therapeutics for chronic respiratory disease
Pinjie Zhang1, Tingting Luo2, Zhu Song1
1School of Gongli Hospital Medical Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer a promising new approach for treating chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma. Engineered inhalable EVs can overcome limitations of current therapies by delivering treatments directly to the lungs with fewer side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics
- Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery Systems
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chronic respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma, IPF) present a significant global health challenge.
- Current treatments primarily manage symptoms and delay progression, lacking efficacy in reversing structural lung damage and often causing systemic side effects.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale particles with inherent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and tissue-targeting capabilities, offering a potential alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of native extracellular vesicles (EVs) from various sources for chronic respiratory diseases.
- To summarize advancements in engineering EVs for optimized inhalation delivery.
- To discuss the challenges and opportunities for translating engineered inhalable EVs into clinical practice for cell and gene therapy.
Main Methods:
- Overview of molecular profiles of native EVs derived from mesenchymal stromal cells, pulmonary tissues, serum/plasma, platelets, and milk.
- Summary of research on engineering strategies for EVs, including cultivation optimization, surface modification, and active substance loading for inhalation.
- Discussion of formulation, quality control, GMP scale-up, and regulatory considerations for therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Native EVs exhibit diverse therapeutic potentials for chronic respiratory pathologies.
- Engineering strategies enhance EV suitability for targeted lung delivery via inhalation.
- Significant progress has been made in adapting EVs for precise drug delivery in respiratory medicine.
Conclusions:
- Engineered inhalable EVs represent a novel platform for precise treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, potentially integrating cell and gene therapy.
- Further development in formulation, quality control, and regulatory pathways is crucial for clinical translation.
- EV-based therapies offer a promising avenue to overcome the limitations of conventional treatments for chronic lung conditions.
