We are pleased to announce that Dr. Raghavan Pillai Raju from Augusta University, USA, will join Targeting Extracellular Vesicles 2026 as a speaker.

Introduction: Aging causes physiological decline and increased susceptibility to injury and infection. While young blood possesses transferable rejuvenating molecular factors, the specific vehicles and components remain poorly defined.

Materials & Methods: Plasma small extracellular vesicles (EVs) from young (pre-pubertal) and older mice were isolated and evaluated in a polymicrobial sepsis mouse model and an in vitro wound healing assay. EV microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures were analyzed by sequencing.

Results: Young mice demonstrated resilience to sepsis. Young plasma EVs were cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and reduced cellular senescence markers. miRNA sequencing identified miR-296-5p and miR-541-5p as age-dependent constituents that progressively decline with age in plasma and multiple organs. In vitro, both miRNAs promoted wound healing, while intraperitoneal administration of miR-296-5p significantly reduced mortality in septic mice.

Conclusion: Plasma EVs from young mice exert a maturation-dependent reparative effect against sepsis. The age-associated decline of miR-296-5p and miR-541-5p highlights their therapeutic potential for mitigating inflammation and systemic age-related functional decline, demonstrating the critical role of cell-derived EV cargo modifications with aging and stress.