†These authors contributed equally.
Academic Editors: Shikun He and Graham Pawelec
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for
immunomodulatory therapy that are currently being tested in corneal allograft
rejection. In this study, we tested the effects of Mesenchymal stem cells derived
exosomes in the corneal allograft rejection model. Methods: Mesenchymal
stem cells derived exosomes (MSC-exo) were collected and characterized.
Wistar-Lewis rat corneal allograft rejection models were established. PKH26
labeled exosomes were used for track experiment. Models were randomly separated
into four groups and treated with graded doses of exosomes or same volumn of PBS.
Corneal grafts were assessed for rejection degree using slit-lamp biomicroscopy.
Grafts were examined histologically using hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) staining and
immunohistochemically using antibodies against CD4, CD8 and CD25. A comprehensive
graft mRNA gene expression array analysis was conducted and checked by real-time
polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The nanovesicles obtained were
expressing exosome specific protein markers CD9, CD63, CD81. The labeled exosomes
could be detected in both cornea and anterior chamber two hours after
injection.The 10