Ascorbic Acid-Coupled Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Ameliorate Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease (DED), a complex ocular surface disease with a high prevalence rate, is associated with corneal injury, excess oxidative stress and inflammation. Current therapeutic strategies, including artificial tears and anti-inflammatory agents, are unable to address all the deleterious factors or to achieve a clinical cure due to their temporary or side effects. Here, we report that ascorbic acid-coupled mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (mExo@AA) administered as an advanced eyedrop significantly alleviated DED. The therapeutic value of mExo@AA was demonstrated in a mouse DED model. Combining the benefits of mExo and AA, mExo@AA effectively improve corneal epithelium recovery and anti-inflammation capacity, decrease corneal reactive oxygen species, and restore tear secretion without adverse effects. Thus, this study suggests that the mExo@AA is effective and safe as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of DED.