bims-engexo 2025-08-03 papers

bims-engexo

Biomed News

on Engineered exosomes

Issue of 2025–08–03
seven papers selected by
Ravindran Jaganathan, Universiti Kuala Lumpur

Prospects of Engineered Exosomes in Clinical Applications: A Review.
Liposomes and Extracellular Vesicles as Distinct Paths Toward Precision Glioma Treatment.
Therapeutic Potential of Exosome for Cardiac Arrhythmia: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence.
Application of Standardized Rosa damascena Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Dermatological Wound Healing and Scar Management: A Retrospective Case-Series Study with Long-Term Outcome Assessment.
Utilization of MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Bioscaffolds in Enhancing Oocyte In Vitro Maturation and Culture: A Review.
miR-146a-5p targets IRAK1/TRAF6 to promote bacillus Calmette-Guérin survival by exosome-mediated autocrine actions.
Research progress on mesenchymal stem cell‑derived exosomes in the treatment of osteoporosis induced by knee osteoarthritis (Review).

Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2025 Jul 30. 1-24

Prospects of Engineered Exosomes in Clinical Applications: A Review.

Yuxuan Li, Deran Meng, Yishuai Cheng, Yanhao Sun, Yihong Dong, Juanyi Shi, Guoqiang Wan, Chao Deng.

  ObjectiveThis review addresses the challenges in the clinical application of exosomes and explores how engineered exosomes enhance targeting, stability, and therapeutic efficacy through surface modification and advanced drug-loading techniques.SignificanceExosomes, with their exhibit biocompatibility and low immunogenicity, serve as natural nanocarriers. However, limitations such as suboptimal targeting and inconsistent therapeutic effects hinder their clinical translation. Engineered exosomes, leveraging physical, chemical, and peptide-based modification strategies, offer novel solutions to these bottlenecks, paving the way for optimized drug delivery and disease treatment.Key FindingsEngineered exosomes demonstrate superior targeting precision and stability compared to conventional exosomes. Innovative drug-loading technologies significantly improve delivery efficiency and safety. Through targeted delivery and synergistic actions, engineered exosomes enhance treatment outcomes for various diseases. Notwithstanding these advancements, challenges persist in standardizing production processes and evaluating long-term biosafety.ConclusionEngineered exosomes overcome the intrinsic limitations of conventional exosomes through targeted modifications and innovative loading approaches, holding substantial promise for clinical drug delivery. While issues of standardization and safety require resolution, their transformative potential in disease therapy warrants continued research and development.

Keywords:  Clinical applications; Drug loading; Engineered exosomes; Surface modification

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/03639045.2025.2541789
Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jul 15. pii: 6775. [Epub ahead of print]26(14):

Liposomes and Extracellular Vesicles as Distinct Paths Toward Precision Glioma Treatment.

Wiktoria Fraczek, Maciej Szmidt, Kacper Kregielewski, Marta Grodzik.

  Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive and therapy-resistant glioma subtype, remains an urgent clinical challenge due to its invasive nature, molecular heterogeneity, and the protective constraints of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Liposomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as two of the most promising nanocarrier systems capable of overcoming these limitations through improved drug delivery and cellular targeting. Their applications in glioma therapy span chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy, each presenting distinct advantages and mechanisms of action. Liposomes offer structural flexibility, controlled release, and a well-established clinical framework, while EVs provide innate biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and the ability to mimic natural intercellular communication. Both systems demonstrate the capacity to traverse the BBB and selectively accumulate in tumor tissue, yet they differ in scalability, cargo loading efficiency, and translational readiness. Comparative evaluation of their functions across therapeutic modalities reveals complementary strengths that may be leveraged in the development of more effective, targeted strategies for glioma treatment.

Keywords:  chemotherapy; drug delivery; exosomes; extracellular vesicles; gene therapy; glioblastoma; immunotherapy; liposomes

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146775
Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2025 Jul 29.

Therapeutic Potential of Exosome for Cardiac Arrhythmia: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence.

Agus Harsoyo, Rifqi Rizkani Eri, Sania Zahrani, Haikal Balweel, Novaro Adeneur Tafriend.

   INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrhythmias remain a major global health concern despite advances in therapeutic strategies. In certain clinical contexts, novel and minimally invasive therapies are particularly desirable. Exosomes have emerged as a promising approach for various diseases, but their therapeutic role in arrhythmias remains underexplored. This systematic review aims to synthesize and evaluate current evidence on the potential of exosome-based therapy for cardiac arrhythmias.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SCOPUS in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, using the search terms: (exosome) AND ((cardiac conduction) OR (arrhythmia)). Studies were included if they investigated the acute or mid-term effects of exosome therapy on cardiac conduction or arrhythmia incidence in animal models, and reported at least one relevant electrophysiological or arrhythmic outcome. Descriptive studies, biomarker-only evaluations, and studies not examining exosomes as a therapeutic intervention were excluded.
RESULTS: The initial search yielded 759 articles (259 from PubMed, 394 from SCOPUS, 106 from ScienceDirect). After removing 68 duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 77 articles were selected for full-text review. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most reported favorable outcomes, including reduced arrhythmia inducibility, improved or restored cardiac conduction, and enhanced overall cardiac function.
CONCLUSION: Preclinical evidence suggests that exosome therapy is potentially effective in reducing arrhythmia burden and improving cardiac electrophysiology, with a favorable safety profile in animal models. Further research is needed to understand its mechanisms deeper, optimize delivery methods, and assess its applicability in human populations.

Keywords:  Arrhythmia; Cardiac Conduction; Exosome; Stem Cell

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12015-025-10952-2
Pharmaceutics. 2025 Jul 14. pii: 910. [Epub ahead of print]17(7):

Application of Standardized Rosa damascena Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Dermatological Wound Healing and Scar Management: A Retrospective Case-Series Study with Long-Term Outcome Assessment.

Lidia Majewska, Agnieszka Kondraciuk, Karolina Dorosz, Agnieszka Budzyńska.

  Background: Scar formation and impaired wound healing represent significant challenges in dermatology and aesthetic medicine, with limited effective treatment options currently available. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of Damask rose stem-cell-derived exosome (RSCE) therapy in the management of diverse dermatological conditions, including traumatic wounds, surgical scars, and atrophic acne scars. Methods: We conducted a case series study from June 2023 to November 2024, documenting four cases with different types of skin damage treated with lyophilized RSCE products. Treatment protocols included a variety of delivery methods such as topical application, microneedling, and post-procedure care. Follow-up assessments were performed at intervals ranging from 7 days to 10 months. Results: All patients demonstrated significant improvements in scar appearance, skin elasticity, hydration, and overall tissue quality. In traumatic facial injury, RSCE therapy facilitated reduction in scar contracture and improved functional outcomes. For atrophic acne scars, comparative treatment of facial sides showed enhanced results with RSCE addition. Acute wounds exhibited accelerated healing with reduced inflammation, while chronic wounds demonstrated improved epithelialization and long-term scar quality. Conclusions: This case series provides preliminary evidence suggesting that RSCE therapy may offer significant benefits in wound healing and scar management. The observed improvements in tissue regeneration, inflammatory modulation, and long-term aesthetic outcomes warrant further investigation through controlled clinical trials.

Keywords:  atrophic acne scars; damask rose stem cells; exosome therapy; exosomes; extracellular vesicles; plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles; post-surgical scars; regenerative dermatology; rose stem cell-derived exosomes; scar remodeling; skin regeneration; wound healing

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070910
Reprod Sci. 2025 Jul 25.

Utilization of MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Bioscaffolds in Enhancing Oocyte In Vitro Maturation and Culture: A Review.

Maryam Mehravar, Maryam Salimi, Mahsa Kazemi, Mohammad Majidi, Elham Roshandel, Hamid Nazarian.

  Failure in germ cells development and oocyte maturation remains a significant challenge in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and can lead to feltilization failure and poor embryo quality. Rescue in vitro maturation (R-IVM) offers a promising approach to improve the reproductive outcomes in such cases. Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes, have demonstrated therapeutic potential for both oocytes and granulosa cells. However, their effects on immature oocytes under R-IVM remain largely unexplored. Furthermore, incorporating exosomes into bioscaffolds may provide controlled release system, enhancing stability within IVM and in vitro culture (IVC) environments. This review evaluates the current evidence regarding the effects of MSC-derived exosomes on oocyte and granulosa cell function and explores the potential of exosome-loaded scaffolds to optimize IVM outcomes, offering new strategies for enhanced reproductive success. Recent findings indicate that bioscaffolds composed of appropriate polymers with high exosome encapsulation efficiency and a release window of 24-48 h can mimic the in vivo environment and support the maturation of oocytes and embryos in IVM/IVC systems.

Keywords:  Bioscaffolds; IVM/IVC medium; MSC-derived exosomes; Oocyte maturation

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-025-01889-5
Mol Immunol. 2025 Jul 28. pii: S0161-5890(25)00183-X. [Epub ahead of print]185 105-115

miR-146a-5p targets IRAK1/TRAF6 to promote bacillus Calmette-Guérin survival by exosome-mediated autocrine actions.

Hao-Rong Chen, Huan-Shao Huang, Si-Yi Zeng, Yin-Fu Sun, Lan Chen, Shi-Ying Lai, Jia-Jun Wang, Fen Yang, Jiang Pi, Yan-Guang Cong, Jun-Fa Xu.

   BACKGROUND: Exosomes carry signaling molecules between cells and play important roles in the interaction between macrophages and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). This study aimed to examine the function and content of exosomes secreted by macrophages infected with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).
METHODS: THP-1 monocytes and HEK293T cells were used. Macrophages were infected with BCG. A Transwell system was used to evaluate the effect of the exosomes secreted by macrophages. Cells were transfected with the miR-146a-5p plasmid or inhibitor to examine the effects of miR-146a-5p overexpression or inhibition. qRT-PCR was employed to investigate the expression levels of miR-320a-5p, miR-27a-5p, miR-26a-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-223-5p and the mRNA expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Western blot was used to investigate the protein expression of IRAK1, TRAF6, CD63, CD81, GRP94, Alix, TSG101, P65, and p-P65. A dual luciferase assay was performed to investigate whether miR-146a-5p targets IRAK1 and TRAF6.
RESULTS: The infected cells contained high miR-146a-5p levels that could be secreted into exosomes. Exosomal miR-146a-5p promoted Mtb survival and proliferation after uptake by host cells. Bioinformatics showed that high miR-146a-5p levels were found in exosomes from BCG-infected macrophages and blood samples from patients with tuberculosis. The phagocytosis of exosomes containing miR-146a-5p by BCG-infected macrophages suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the IRAK1-TRAF6-NF-κB signaling pathway, ultimately leading to the inhibition of inflammatory factor expression in macrophages and a decrease in the macrophage BCG killing capacity.
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a new immune evasion mechanism of Mtb. miR-146a-5p secreted in exosomes by BCG-infected macrophages can decrease the bactericidal potential of macrophages. The results offer a novel theoretical basis and potential biomarkers for diagnosing, treating, and managing tuberculosis.

Keywords:  Autocrine; Exosome; MiR-146a-5p; Mycobacterium tuberculosis

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2025.07.012
Int J Mol Med. 2025 Oct;pii: 160. [Epub ahead of print]56(4):

Research progress on mesenchymal stem cell‑derived exosomes in the treatment of osteoporosis induced by knee osteoarthritis (Review).

Hai-Yan Xue, Xiang-Lin Shen, Zhi-Hua Wang, Hang-Chuan Bi, Hong-Guo Xu, Jie Wu, Ruo-Mei Cui, Ming-Wei Liu.

  Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and osteoporosis (OP) are closely related, age‑related, degenerative orthopedic conditions. Elderly patients with OP frequently develop concurrent KOA, with high co‑occurrence rates. Studies indicate that OP significantly increases KOA risk and that these conditions mutually exacerbate each other. Anti‑OP therapies show significant efficacy in KOA management, substantially delaying disease progression. Mesenchymal stem cell‑derived exosomes (MSC‑Exos) have significant therapeutic potential for both KOA and OP. These exosomes enhance chondrocyte proliferation, modulate cartilage matrix synthesis and degradation, and suppress synovial inflammation, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for KOA. However, their OP mechanisms remain unclear but may involve disrupted bone metabolic signaling, amplified inflammation, and dysregulated intercellular communication in the bone microenvironment. The present review summarizes MSC‑Exos research advances in KOA and OP, providing a foundation for future studies and clinical applications.

Keywords:  exosomes; knee osteoarthritis; mesenchymal stem cells; osteoporosis

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5601