# Extracellular Vesicles Produced by Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Novel Therapy for Autoimmune Uveitis

> **NIH NIH R01** · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · 2021 · $360,112

## Abstract

Abstract
 Autoimmune uveitis (AU) is a major cause of visual disability worldwide. Clinical treatment currently
involves the use of immunosuppressive drugs, but serious side effects limit their long-term application. In this
sense, safer and more effective therapies for AU are needed. The cytotoxic destruction of the retina and
related tissues by T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells is the key pathological feature of AU, hence the design of
efficient cause-addressing AU treatments should target silencing of Th1/Th17 cells. One therapeutic strategy to
suppress the auto-reactive T cells is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as their immune suppressive
abilities have been extensively shown in cultures, animal models and patients. However, large variations in
MSCs, due to the differences in donors, culture conditions, and tissue sources impede developing of robust
MSC therapy. Lately, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have become an emerging alternative to
MSC therapy, as they recapitulate to a large extent the broad therapeutic effects previously attributed to MSCs.
Also, EVs display intrinsic cell targeting-properties, stability in circulation without loss of function, and superior
safety profile of a cell-free treatment, suggesting MSC-EVs have multiple advantages over cell treatment.
Importantly, we recently showed that administration of MSC-EVs prevent the onset of autoimmune disease in
murine models, type 1 diabetes, experimental AU (EAU), and Sjogren's syndrome. Therefore, the goal of this
proposal is to develop a safe and effective MSC-EV therapy for AU. The overall objective is to define the
underlying mechanism by which MSC-EVs suppress autoimmunity and develop strategies to maximize their
therapeutic efficacy. To achieve our objective, Aim 1 will identify the therapeutic factors in EVs that are
responsible for the MSC-EV mediated action in Au, defining the underlying mechanism by which MSC-EVs
suppress Th1/Th17 cells. Aim 2 will develop strategies to maximize the immune suppressive effect of MSC-
EVs. Aim 3 will develop strategies to enhance MSC-EV delivery to the target cells. The success of the proposal
research will provide essential insights and valuable information for the rational design of EV-based
interventions, ultimately leading to a development of the novel, safe and clinically feasible therapy with MSC-
EVs for AU treatment.
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## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10125158
- **Project number:** 5R01EY029350-03
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Ryang Hwa Lee
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $360,112
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-03-01 → 2024-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10125158

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10125158, Extracellular Vesicles Produced by Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Novel Therapy for Autoimmune Uveitis (5R01EY029350-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10125158. Licensed CC0.

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