Work

Hemoporfin photodynamic therapy affects secretion, uptake, and function of human umbilical vein endothelial cell-derived exosomes via apoptosis and autophagy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hemoporfin photodynamic therapy (HMME-PDT) is a safe and effective treatment for port-wine stains (PWS). Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communication. However, the involvement of exosomes in the anti-vascular effects of HMME-PDT remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of HMME-PDT on the secretion, uptake, and function of exosomes derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via apoptosis and autophagy. METHODS: In this study, we identified exosomes by using electron microscopy and western blotting. Subsequently, we evaluated the secretion and uptake of HUVEC-derived exosomes after HMME-PDT using the BCA assay, acetylcholine esterase assay, and exosome uptake assay. Exosomes derived from various HUVEC groups were incubated with the HUVECs. Cell proliferation was measured using the CCK8 assay, and cell apoptosis was determined using the TUNEL assay and western blot analysis. Confocal fluorescence microscopy monitoring of RFP-GFP-LC3 transfected HUVECs and western blot analysis were used to evaluate autophagy. RESULTS: HMME-PDT significantly enhanced both exosome secretion and uptake by HUVECs. We discovered that exosomes isolated from HUVECs after HMME-PDT could transport the photosensitizer, HMME. Moreover, exosomes from HMME-PDT-treated HUVECs significantly inhibited HUVEC proliferation and enhanced both apoptosis and autophagy compared to exosomes from untreated HUVECs. The secretion, uptake, and function of HUVEC-derived exosomes following HMME-PDT were influenced by both apoptosis and autophagy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that HMME-PDT significantly affects the secretion, uptake, and function of HUVEC-derived exosomes through apoptosis and autophagy. Exosomes derived from HUVECs have been implicated in the interaction network between autophagy and apoptosis following HMME-PDT. These findings suggest a promising strategy for engineering exosomes as photosensitizer delivery platforms to enhance the clinical efficacy of HMME-PDT.

Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2026.105353

Authors: Jingwen Xue, Huimin Yuan, Yi Zhao

Institutions: Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital, Tsinghua University

Language: English

Topic: Extracellular vesicles in disease

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610