Yuling Zhao, Matthew J Haney, John K Fallon, Myosotys Rodriguez, Carson J Swain, Camryn J Arzt, Philip C Smith, Matthew Shane Loop, Emily B Harrison, Nazira El-Hage, Elena V Batrakova
Cells 2022 Jun 15Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived nanoparticles that facilitate transport of proteins, lipids, and genetic material, playing important roles in intracellular communication. They have remarkable potential as non-toxic and non-immunogenic nanocarriers for drug delivery to unreachable organs and tissues, in particular, the central nervous system (CNS). Herein, we developed a novel platform based on macrophage-derived EVs to treat Parkinson disease (PD). Specifically, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of EVs secreted by autologous macrophages that were transfected ex vivo to express glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). EV-GDNF were collected from conditioned media of GDNF-transfected macrophages and characterized for GDNF content, size, charge, and expression of EV-specific proteins. The data revealed that, along with the encoded neurotrophic factor, EVs released by pre-transfected macrophages carry GDNF-encoding DNA. Four-month-old transgenic Parkin Q311(X)A mice were treated with EV-GDNF via intranasal administration, and the effect of this therapeutic intervention on locomotor functions was assessed over a year. Significant improvements in mobility, increases in neuronal survival, and decreases in neuroinflammation were found in PD mice treated with EV-GDNF. No offsite toxicity caused by EV-GDNF administration was detected. Overall, an EV-based approach can provide a versatile and potent therapeutic intervention for PD.
Yuling Zhao, Matthew J Haney, John K Fallon, Myosotys Rodriguez, Carson J Swain, Camryn J Arzt, Philip C Smith, Matthew Shane Loop, Emily B Harrison, Nazira El-Hage, Elena V Batrakova. Using Extracellular Vesicles Released by GDNF-Transfected Macrophages for Therapy of Parkinson Disease. Cells. 2022 Jun 15;11(12)
PMID: 35741061
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