Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion
Published on: May 12, 2023
Extracellular vesicles targeting EGFR inhibit MAOA expression and activity by delivering curcumin for the treatment
Rui Guo1,2, Yinghui Wang1,2, Guojie Hao1,2
1Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Stem Cell Medicine, School of Medical Engineering, Henan Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
Aims:
To investigate whether curcumin (CUR) delivered by EGFR-targeted extracellular vesicles (EVs) alleviates asthma and to explore the underlying mechanism.
Materials And Methods:
CUR was loaded into mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell‑derived EVs. A bispecific fusion protein, ZEGFR‑CP05 (EGFR‑specific affibody linked to a CD63‑binding peptide), was used to modify EVs. Therapeutic efficacy and targeting were evaluated in an ovalbumin (OVA)‑induced acute asthma mouse model.
Results:
ZEGFR‑CP05‑EVs showed enhanced lung accumulation. In asthmatic mice, ZEGFR‑CP05‑EVs‑CUR reduced airway inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, collagen deposition, and EGFR expression. Network pharmacology combined with experimental validation identified monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) as a novel target. Treatment suppressed MAOA expression and activity, restored serotonin (5‑HT) levels, and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
Conclusions:
ZEGFR‑CP05‑EVs mediated curcumin delivery alleviates asthma pathology by inhibiting MAOA, highlighting a promising therapeutic strategy.
Related Concept Videos
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...
Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.