International Review of Ophthalmology ›› 2021, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (6): 513-518.doi: 10.3760/ cma.j.issn.1673-5803.2021.06.009

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The role of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases

Sun Hanhan1, Liu Xianning2, Zhang Hongbing2, Wang Yao2   

  1. 1 The Collage of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; 2 Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, First Hospital of Xi’an; The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an 710002, China

  • Received:2021-04-07 Online:2021-12-22 Published:2021-12-22
  • Contact: Wang Yao, Email: wangyao0605@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province(2019SF-196); Basic Scientific Innovation Ability Improvement Project of Xi’an (21XYJ0002)

Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells are a type of multifunctional stem cells with self-renewal ability, multi-differentiation potential and immune regulation. The exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells have similar biological properties as mesenchymal stem cells. They are nano-scale, high in stability, low in immunogenicity, easy to obtain and preserve, and can easily pass through biological barriers to enter target organs. Studies have shown that bioactive substances such as proteins, lipids and DNA, mRNA and non-coding RNA carried by the mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes can play a role in the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases(such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa) by anti-inflammatory, inhibiting of neovascularization and protecting of retinal photoreceptor cells, which may provide new treatment options for degenerative retinal diseases. (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2021, 45: 513-518)


Key words: mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa