Lead researcher
Dr Rebecca Lim
Main finding
We found that amnion epithelial cells shed minuscule particles, called exosomes, as part of their mechanism of repair during lung fibrosis (scarring). We were able to collect these particles and administer them as an inhaled treatment to preclinical models with experimental lung fibrosis. We showed that this inhaled form of regenerative medicine was effective in reversing lung fibrosis even in aged mice, which have an impaired repair response. This was in part achieved by activating the aged, sluggish lung stem cells and by quietening down the otherwise overwhelming lung inflammation.
Centre
The Ritchie Centre
Research group
Amnion Cell Biology Group
Journal and article title
Most surprising
We were surprised to find that the exosomes from amnion epithelial cells were able to directly influence lung stem cells and specific types of the immune system that have been previously shown to play valuable roles in lung repair. The exosomes were stable for months when stored in a frozen form. They do not require special freezing methods or chemicals to keep them stable.
Future implications
These findings suggest that a cell-free form of regenerative medicine can be developed for chronic conditions such as lung fibrosis. Inhaled formulations such as what was used in this study would mean that patients would not need intravenous injections of cells. The knock-on effect of this is the reduction in costs of running clinical trials, and if/when these therapies are approved for widespread use, it would mean that patient could administer the treatments themselves, such as when using an inhaler or nasal spray. The exosomes are cheaper to produce compared to living cells with less variability, so this may mean that exosome-based therapies could be more accessible to patients.
Disease/health impact
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
