Enhanced immunosuppressive capability of mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles with high expression of CD73 in experimental autoimmune uveitis

Stem Cell Res Ther. 2024 May 23;15(1):149. doi: 10.1186/s13287-024-03764-7.

Abstract

Background: Autoimmune uveitis is an inflammatory disease triggered by an aberrant immune response. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) are emerging as potential therapeutic agents for this condition. CD73, an ectoenzyme present on MSC-sEVs, is involved in mitigating inflammation by converting extracellular adenosine monophosphate into adenosine. We hypothesize that the inhibitory effect of MSC-sEVs on experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) could be partially attributed to the surface expression of CD73.

Methods: To investigate novel therapeutic approaches for autoimmune uveitis, we performed lentiviral transduction to overexpress CD73 on the surface of MSC-sEVs, yielding CD73-enriched MSC-sEVs (sEVs-CD73). Mice with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)-induced EAU were grouped randomly and treated with 50 µg MSC-sEVs, vector infected MSC-sEVs, sEVs-CD73 or PBS via single tail vein injection. We evaluated the clinical and histological features of the induced mice and analyzed the proportion and functional capabilities of T helper cells. Furthermore, T-cells were co-cultured with various MSC-sEVs in vitro, and we quantified the resulting inflammatory response to assess the potential therapeutic benefits of sEVs-CD73.

Results: Compared to MSC-sEVs, sEVs-CD73 significantly alleviates EAU, leading to reduced inflammation and diminished tissue damage. Treatment with sEVs-CD73 results in a decreased proportion of Th1 cells in the spleen, draining lymph nodes, and eyes, accompanied by an increased proportion of regulatory T-cells (Treg cells). In vitro assays further reveal that sEVs-CD73 inhibits T-cell proliferation, suppresses Th1 cells differentiation, and enhances Treg cells proportion.

Conclusion: Over-expression of CD73 on MSC-sEVs enhances their immunosuppressive effects in EAU, indicating that sEVs-CD73 has the potential as an efficient immunotherapeutic agent for autoimmune uveitis.

Keywords: Adenosine; Autoimmune uveitis; CD73; Mesenchymal stem cell; Small extracellular vesicle.

MeSH terms

  • 5'-Nucleotidase* / genetics
  • 5'-Nucleotidase* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases* / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases* / pathology
  • Autoimmune Diseases* / therapy
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Extracellular Vesicles* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / immunology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Retinol-Binding Proteins
  • Uveitis* / immunology
  • Uveitis* / metabolism
  • Uveitis* / pathology
  • Uveitis* / therapy

Substances

  • 5'-Nucleotidase
  • Retinol-Binding Proteins