Therapeutic Applications of Extracellular Vesicles in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

The treatment landscape for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has undergone substantial advancements with the introduction of biologics. However, a considerable number of patients either show an immediate lack of response or lose responsiveness over time, necessitating the development of innovative and effective treatment approaches. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small lipid bilayer-enclosed structures that facilitate cell-to-cell molecular transfer and are integral to the pathogenesis of IBD. They play pivotal roles in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and the expulsion of cellular metabolites. The potential use of EVs as drug carriers or therapeutic agents has opened up a plethora of clinical applications. This review investigates the creation and content of EVs, their role in IBD development, and advances in their isolation and analytical techniques. Furthermore, the therapeutic promise they hold for IBD is explored, along with the latest research on their roles as IBD drug delivery systems.