Extracellular Vesicles: Emerging Therapeutics in Cutaneous Lesions

Int J Nanomedicine. 2021 Sep 7:16:6183-6202. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S322356. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as nanoscale membranous vesicles containing DNAs, RNAs, lipids and proteins, have emerged as promising diagnostic and therapeutic agents for skin diseases. Here, we summarize the basic physiology of the skin and the biological characteristic of EVs. Further, we describe the applications of EVs in the treatment of dermatological conditions such as skin infection, inflammatory skin diseases, skin repair and rejuvenation and skin cancer. In particular, plant-derived EVs and clinical trials are discussed. In addition, challenges and perspectives related to the preclinical and clinical applications of EVs are highlighted.

Keywords: clinical trials; extracellular vesicles; plant; skin diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Extracellular Vesicles*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the 1.3.5 project for disciplines of excellence, West China Hospital, Sichuan University (ZY2016106).