Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles in Oral Inflammation

Abstract

The therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in reducing oral inflammation is thoroughly examined in this review, with an emphasis on gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral mucositis. It explains the complex relationship between microbial dysbiosis and host immune responses in the aetiology of oral inflammation. Pathophysiological mechanisms of periodontitis are examined, emphasising the roles played by periodontal pathogens and inflammatory mediators in the disease's chronic course and systemic effects. Preclinical research is providing new evidence that EVs originating from various cellular sources control immune cell dynamics towards a pro-healing phenotype, promote tissue regeneration, and have immunomodulatory qualities. EV-based therapies appear to be a promising new therapeutic technique with potential benefits over traditional methods for the treatment of oral inflammatory illnesses by specifically altering inflammatory signalling pathways. This review highlights the potential of EVs to improve patient outcomes in oral health and emphasises the need for additional clinical research to clarify the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of EVs in periodontal therapy.

Keywords: extracellular vesicles; inflammation; periodontitis.

Figure 1

Mechanisms of oral inflammation and therapeutic strategies. The mechanism of oral inflammation involves initiation, immune activation, and key molecular pathways. Various therapeutic strategies have been applied to manage inflammation.

Figure 2

Characteristics and therapeutic roles of EVs. The characteristics of EVs include their biogenesis, composition, and functional roles. Various sources of EVs for therapeutic applications and their mechanisms in modulating inflammation are highlighted.

Figure 3

Characterisation, anti-inflammatory properties, and preclinical evidence of hPLT-EVs in periodontitis treatment. EV characterisation methods include nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blot analysis, and electron microscopy. hPLT-EVs promote cell migration and proliferation, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and facilitate the delivery of bioactive molecules. Preclinical evidence supports their role in improving periodontal healing, bone regeneration, and vascularisation.

Figure 4

Therapeutic applications of EVs in oral inflammation. This figure summarises the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs, the role of EVs in immune response modulation, the implication of EVs in oral cancer, and the comparative efficacy of EV-based therapies.