Extracellular Vesicles in Skin: Biological Function and Therapeutic Potential

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as promising therapeutic agents in dermatology due to their ability to modulate biological processes and deliver bioactive molecules. They show potential in treating various skin conditions, including hair growth, skin aging, inflammatory skin diseases, and skin cancers. EVs derived from dermal papilla cells promote hair follicle regeneration, while those from mesenchymal stem cells offer anti-aging benefits and alleviate symptoms of atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, and psoriasis by modulating immune responses and improving skin barrier function. In skin cancers, EVs serve as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Despite their promise, challenges such as the need for standardized extraction methods and clinical validation remain. Further research is necessary to establish the therapeutic efficacy and safety of EV-based treatments in dermatology.