A functional corona around extracellular vesicles enhances angiogenesis, skin regeneration and immunomodulation

Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2022 · DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12207 · Published: March 2, 2022

Cardiovascular Science Immunology Genetics

Simple Explanation

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from placental stromal cells have a protein corona. This corona contains proteins that promote blood vessel formation and modulate the immune system. Removing this corona reduces the ability of EVs to stimulate blood vessel formation. Re-establishing the corona restores this function. Understanding how EVs form coronas and how these coronas affect their function could lead to better therapies.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1WjI/SzJ mice, human full-thickness skin samples, human PBMCs, PLX cells from three individual donors

Evidence Level

Level 3: Experimental study using in vitro assays, animal models, and proteomics

Key Findings

1
PLX-EVs are surrounded by a functional protein corona when enriched with permissive technology, containing immunomodulatory and proangiogenic proteins.
2
Corona removal abrogated angiogenesis, and re-establishing an artificial corona with proangiogenic factors restored it.
3
PLX-EVs protected some secreted factors from degradation, suggesting that the corona provides stability to these factors.

Research Summary

This study investigates the functional role of the protein corona surrounding extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human placental-expanded (PLX) stromal cells. The researchers found that this corona enhances angiogenesis, skin regeneration, and immunomodulation. The study highlights the importance of understanding EV corona formation for improving the design of EV-inspired nanotherapies.

Practical Implications

Improved Nano-therapy Design

Understanding EV corona formation will improve rational EV-inspired nano-therapy design.

Clinical Application

PLX-EVs may be considered to contribute to the therapeutic effect of PLX stromal cell therapy.

Targeted Therapies

Manipulation of the EV corona composition could lead to more targeted and effective therapies.

Study Limitations

1
The precise position of EV-associated proteins and their binding kinetics still need to be determined.
2
Questions regarding soft vs. hard corona composition and function also need to be addressed for EVs.
3
Questions regarding corona stability, protein turnover and particularly regarding the fate of a preformed corona during plasma conversation need to be addressed.

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