Biological Function of Exosomes in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease. Traditional treatment strategies have relied on repeated administration of high doses of drugs, including antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, biological drugs, and immunomodulators aimed at reducing inflammation. Some of these drugs are effective in reducing early inflammatory symptoms, but their long-term efficacy decreases due to the accumulation of toxic substances. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic methods is needed. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that are secreted by cells and carry macromolecules and bioactive substances and play a role in the physiological and pathological processes of the body. So far, many efforts have been made to understand their biology and potential clinical applications in various diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have shown that the therapeutic functions of exosomes may affect pathways related to IBD such as immune responses, barrier functions, and gut flora. This review describes recent advances in the development of exosomes and their therapeutic application in IBD.