Exploring Extracellular Vesicles As Novel Therapeutic Agents For Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Delivery, Applications, And Mechanisms

This review explores the potential of extracellular vesicle therapy as a novel approach to prevent and repair intervertebral disc degeneration, a condition affecting the elderly. Current treatments do not halt degeneration, but extracellular vesicles, with their proteins, RNAs, and lipids, may modulate pathways involved in inflammation, apoptosis, and other degenerative processes. The review highlights the role of extracellular vesicle cargo in tissue repair and discusses bioengineering modifications and drug loading that enhance their therapeutic effects. Challenges and future prospects for this therapy are also addressed.