Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as an Emerging Paradigm for Regenerative Therapy and Nano-Medicine: A Comprehensive Review

Life (Basel). 2021 Aug 3;11(8):784. doi: 10.3390/life11080784.

Abstract

Mesenchymal Stem Cells are potent therapeutic candidates in the field of regenerative medicine, owing to their immunomodulatory and differentiation potential. However, several complications come with their translational application like viability, duration, and degree of expansion, long-term storage, and high maintenance cost. Therefore, drawbacks of cell-based therapy can be overcome by a novel therapeutic modality emerging in translational research and application, i.e., exosomes. These small vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells are emerging as new avenues in the field of nano-medicine. These nano-vesicles have caught the attention of researchers with their potency as regenerative medicine both in nanotherapeutics and drug delivery systems. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge in the biology and handling of exosomes, with their limitations and future applications. Additionally, we highlight current perspectives that primarily focus on their effect on various diseases and their potential as a drug delivery vehicle.

Keywords: drug delivery system; exosomes; immunomodulation; mesenchymal stem cells; nano-medicine; therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review