Development of Cardiomyocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as a Therapeutic Agent for COVID-19-Related Cardiac Inflammation and Damage

• Project/Area Number: 25K11327
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 53020:Cardiology-related
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: PrietoVila Marta 慶應義塾大学, 薬学部(芝共立), 講師 (40804646)
• Project Period (FY): 2025-04-01 – 2028-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2025)
• Budget Amount: ¥6,500,000 (Direct Cost: ¥5,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,500,000); Fiscal Year 2027: ¥1,950,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥450,000); Fiscal Year 2026: ¥2,210,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,700,000、Indirect Cost: ¥510,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥2,340,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,800,000、Indirect Cost: ¥540,000)
• Keywords: cardiac diseases / COVID-19 / inflamation / extracelular vesicles / no-cell therapy

Outline of Research at the Start

We aim to ameliorate COVID-19-associated cardiac damage. To do so, we will evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of cardiomyocytes-EVs in vitro using human macrophages and cardiac fibroblasts. Following, we will test their effect in a chronic inflammation mouse model. We will assess cytokine profiles, macrophage activation, fibrotic area, and cardiac function. Additionally, we will analyze EV internalization and the role of surface proteins to investigate their specificity toward cardiac tissue to explore their application as a targeted drug delivery system for the heart.