Exosomes in retinal diseases

Abstract The retina is a light-sensing organ that lines the back of the eye. Analysis of this tissue cannot be performed in living patients. Ocular fluids contain exosomes and can serve as proximal biofluids of the retina. Information regarding the role of exosomes in the retina is limited, but early findings suggest widespread involvement in multiple pathological processes. Additional inferences about the roles of EVs in the retina can be drawn from research in other fields. Here, we emphasize the roles of EVs in universal disease mechanisms in both the retina and in other systems, with a focus on oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation and immune responses, angiogenesis, and cancer. We will also highlight recent studies showing promising results regarding exosome-based therapeutics for treatment of retinal disease.