Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are particles that are released naturally from almost all types of cells in our body. EVs have been associated with several important functions including cell signalling, anti-immune properties, anti-inflammatory properties, tissue regeneration and wound healing.
The aim of this research is to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of these EVs secreted from mesenchymal stromal cells. We will do this by developing an assay, which is a procedure in the lab that can make quantitative assessments. This assay will be developed using mouse macrophages. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune system. There are three types of macrophages- the M0 type, M1 type and the M2 type. The M1 type of this cell are pro inflammatory. In this project, these macrophages will be stimulated to produce the pro inflammatory, M1 response. They will be stimulated using Lipopolysaccharide. If the EVs from MSCs are anti-inflammatory, the M1 immune response should be inhibited by the EVs. With this research, I will be able to classify different types of EVs according to their ability to suppress inflammation. The exosomes will be classified according to their anti-inflammatory ability. Because inflammation is involved in the pathology of several diseases, research in this area is particularly important. This research will be important in developing our knowledge of EVs and their anti-inflammatory properties.
