Loading Ovalbumin into Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as a Nanoscale Carrier with Immunomodulatory Potential for Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for allergic airway inflammation

Due to their immunomodulatory capacities, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively used as therapeutic approaches in cell-based therapy for various inflammatory diseases. Several lines of studies have shown that the most beneficial effects of MSCs are associated with MSC-derived exosomes. Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that contain important biomolecules such as RNA, microRNAs (miRNAs), DNA, growth factors, enzymes, chemokines, and cytokines that regulate immune cell functions and parenchymal cell survival. Recently, exosomes, especially MSC-derived exosomes, have been shown to have protective effects in allergic airway inflammation. This review focused on the immune-regulatory potential of MSC-derived exosomes as nanoscale delivery systems in the treatment of allergic airway inflammation.

Sublingual prophylactic administration of OVA-loaded MSC-derived exosomes to prevent allergic sensitization

AIM

This study evaluated the immunomodulatory and delivery potential of adipose tissue-isolated MSC-derived exosomes as a prophylactic regimen through a sublingual route in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma murine model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Balb/c mice received 10 μg/dose of OVA-enriched MSC-derived exosomes as a prophylactic regimen in six doses during three weeks, and then OVA sensitization was conducted through intraperitoneal and aerosol administration of allergen. The total cells and eosinophils counted in nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and lung tissues were assessed for histopathological analysis. In addition, the secretion of IFN-γ, IL-4, and TGF-β by spleen cells and serum OVA-specific IgE levels were measured via ELISA.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in the IgE levels and IL-4 production, along with elevated TGF-β levels, were observed. Also, limited cellular infiltrations and perivascular and peribronchiolar inflammation in the lung tissues and normal total numbers of cells and eosinophils in the NALF were reported.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic regimen using OVA-enriched MSC-derived exosomes modulated immune responses and inhibited allergic OVA sensitization.