Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs. Currently, therapeutic molecules present adverse side effects and are only effective in some SLE patient subgroups. Extracellular vesicles (EV), including exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies, are released by most cell types, carry nucleic acids, proteins and lipids and play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication. EVs can stimulate or suppress the immune responses depending on the context. In SLE, EVs can work as autoadjuvants, enhance immune complex formation and maintaining inflammation state. Over the last years, EVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells and antigen presenting cells have emerged as cell-free therapeutic agents to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the current therapeutic applications of extracellular vesicles to regulate immune responses and to ameliorate disease activity in SLE and other autoimmune disorders.
Highlights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, clinically heterogeneous, that affects different organ systems
We summarize the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of Extracellular vesicles (EV) and its components to regulate immune responses and to ameliorate disease activity in SLE and other autoimmune disorders
Extracellular vesicles have been recognized as key players in several cellular processes and are released by most cell types
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, clinically heterogeneous, that affects different organ systems. Environmental factors play an important role, showing a strong association between SLE and pesticides, Epstein-bar virus, endometriosis and even postmenopausal therapy [13,14]. In this sense, hormones may trigger autoimmune responses and modulate the alternating periods of disease flares in SLE [15]. Survival rates and longevity have increased, current therapeutic molecules present adverse side effects and are partially effective only with some patient subgroups, such as low interferon signatures or active SLE without nephritis [18,19] These new drugs will have a high impact on long-term medical costs associated to the disease [20]. We summarize the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of EVs and its components to regulate immune responses and to ameliorate disease activity in SLE and other autoimmune disorders
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
