biostudies-literatureLee SJNRFe26800https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10906407biostudies-literatureUnknown10(5)Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), a protein pivotal in cell proliferation and survival, has recently shown promise in alleviating inflammation. This study investigates EGF's impact on M1 macrophages, exploring its potential for anti-inflammatory and anti-vasculogenic interactions with corneal endothelial cells (CECs). Polarized M1 macrophages treated with EGF exhibited a suppression of gene expressions related to inflammatory and vasculogenic signals. The anti-inflammatory effects of EGF were observed in co-culture systems with human CECs (HCECs), showcasing its ability to alter macrophage phenotypes. Exosomes derived from EGF-treated M1 macrophages demonstrated enriched proteomic profiles related to immune system regulation and inflammation inhibition. When applied as eye drops in murine corneas, EGF-conditioned M1 macrophage-derived exosomes effectively reduced inflammation and increased M2-related <i>ARG1</i> expression. This study highlights EGF's potential in mitigating inflammation in M1 macrophages and its delivery through exosomes to cultured HCECs and murine corneas, suggesting a novel therapeutic avenue for ocular surface anti-inflammatory treatments.HeliyonEGF-conditioned M1 macrophages Convey reduced inflammation into corneal endothelial cells through exosomes.PMC10906407RS-2023-00209498RS-2023-00219421Koh ALee SJLee SHKim KWfalseEGF-conditioned M1 macrophages Convey reduced inflammation into corneal endothelial cells through exosomes.Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), a protein pivotal in cell proliferation and survival, has recently shown promise in alleviating inflammation. This study investigates EGF's impact on M1 macrophages, exploring its potential for anti-inflammatory and anti-vasculogenic interactions with corneal endothelial cells (CECs). Polarized M1 macrophages treated with EGF exhibited a suppression of gene expressions related to inflammatory and vasculogenic signals. The anti-inflammatory effects of EGF were observed in co-culture systems with human CECs (HCECs), showcasing its ability to alter macrophage phenotypes. Exosomes derived from EGF-treated M1 macrophages demonstrated enriched proteomic profiles related to immune system regulation and inflammation inhibition. When applied as eye drops in murine corneas, EGF-conditioned M1 macrophage-derived exosomes effectively reduced inflammation and increased M2-related <i>ARG1</i> expression. This study highlights EGF's potential in mitigating inflammation in M1 macrophages and its delivery through exosomes to cultured HCECs and murine corneas, suggesting a novel therapeutic avenue for ocular surface anti-inflammatory treatments.2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Mar2026-06-08T06:10:54.508Z2025-04-07T04:44:22.11ZS-EPMC109064073843440110.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26800