Extracellular Vesicles in Pulmonary Fibrosis Models and Biological Fluids of Interstitial Lung Disease Patients: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal lung disorders characterized by the pathogenetic involvement of interstitium. Therefore, an elucidation of the etiology and pathogenesis as well as the identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of such diseases is more compelling than ever. It is of note that there is increasing evidence of the involvement of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the pathogenesis of lung diseases including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis. It has been speculated that EVs play a pivotal role as mediators of intercellular communication, as well as the highlighting of the role of EVs as co-operators in the development of lung diseases such as IPF. Methods: The present study aimed to carry out a systematic exploratory search of the literature (through the scoping review approach) to identify and systematize the main results of the pathogenetic role of EVs in pulmonary fibrosis models and biological fluids from ILD patients, including plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and sputum. Conclusion: Fibroblast-to-mesenchymal differentiation, collagen and extracellular matrix deposition are key mechanisms in the development and progression of IPF. EV-coupled miRNA are important modulators of biological processes in terms of intercellular communication as shown in pulmonary fibrosis models as well as biofluids. The helpfulness of EVs as diagnostic and theranostic markers is worth further investigation. The evolving potential of EVs to translate effective EV-based therapies into clinical practice is of growing interest, due to the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies for IPF patients.

Induced pluripotent stem cell-based therapies for organ fibrosis

“…Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane nanoparticles and one of its function is to mediate cell-to-cell communication by transferring biomolecules between cells ( Diao et al, 2022 ). Some research emphasizes the role of stem cell-derived EVs in the healing of infarcted hearts and as potential antifibrotic agents ( Khan et al, 2015 ; Povero et al, 2019 ; d'Alessandro et al, 2021 ). The activation of HSCs-the transformation of quiescent, vitamin A support cells into proliferative fibroblasts has been recognized as the central driver of liver fibrosis ( Tsuchida and Friedman, 2017 ).…”

The Effects of Interstitial Lung Diseases on Alveolar Extracellular Vesicles Profile: A Multicenter Study

“…The endothelium of the lung contributes significantly to EV circulation due to its high vascular density [ 11 ]. In addition, alveolar macrophages, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, granulocytes and lymphocytes may also produce EVs [ 11 ]. Using intracellular communicators provides valuable insight into the state of health and disease in cells.…”