Extracellular Vesicles as an Emerging Frontier in Spinal Cord Injury Pathobiology and Therapy

Trends Neurosci., 2021 · DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.01.003 · Published: June 1, 2021

Simple Explanation

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny particles released by cells that play a role in how cells communicate in the central nervous system (CNS). After a spinal cord injury (SCI), these EVs can act as mediators, carrying molecules that can either worsen or improve the injury. This review discusses how EVs within the CNS, and those coming from outside the CNS, are involved in SCI. It also looks at how EVs are being used as a potential therapy in animal models of SCI. The review further explores bioengineering strategies to improve the ability of EVs to treat SCI, focusing on enhancing their therapeutic capabilities within the CNS.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Preclinical animal models

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
EVs have functional roles in mediating neuro-glia and CNS-periphery communication after neurotrauma by regulating neuronal function, axonal regeneration and remyelination, metabolic activity, and the inflammatory milieu.
2
Studies have identified differences in circulating EV count and microRNA cargo that may contribute to remote inflammatory changes after SCI.
3
The therapeutic potential of EVs for SCI treatment depends on the phenotype of the cell they come from and is linked to the cargo they carry.

Research Summary

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play significant roles in the central nervous system (CNS), mediating both physiological and pathophysiological processes, especially after neurotrauma like spinal cord injury (SCI). EVs from different cell types, including those in the CNS and peripheral systems, contribute to the complex responses following SCI, influencing inflammation, axonal regeneration, and overall recovery. Engineering approaches, such as 3D bioprinting, are being explored to enhance the therapeutic potential of EVs, aiming for reproducible and scalable manufacturing of highly potent EVs for clinical applications in SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Development

Understanding EV signaling after SCI can inform the development of new treatment strategies using CNS cell-derived EVs.

Diagnostic Potential

Circulating EVs and their microRNA cargo can serve as biomarkers for monitoring SCI progression and potential therapeutic responses.

Bioengineering Strategies

Optimizing EV production microenvironments through techniques like 3D bioprinting can enhance the therapeutic potency and scalability of EV-based therapies for SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Difficulty in identifying cell-specific EVs from in vivo tissue samples within the CNS.
2
Limited understanding of how circulating EVs impact the progression of SCI.
3
Technical challenges remain to visualize and monitor EV trafficking in vivo.

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