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Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Regulation of Macrophage Phagocytosis; Quantitation and Imaging
Published on: July 16, 2021
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles alter disease outcomes via endorsement of macrophage
Jiangmei Wang1, Jie Xia1, Ruoqiong Huang1
1The Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 3333 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stromal cells that reside in virtually all postnatal tissues. Due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory capacities, MSCs have attracted growing attention during the past two decades. MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are able to duplicate the effects of their parental cells by transferring functional proteins and genetic materials to recipient cells without cell-to-cell contact. MSC-EVs also target macrophages, which play an essential role in innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that MSC-EVs reduce M1 polarization and/or promote M2 polarization in a variety of settings. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of macrophage polarization and roles of MSC-EV-induced macrophage polarization in the outcomes of cardiovascular, pulmonary, digestive, renal, and central nervous system diseases. In conclusion, MSC-EVs may become a viable alternative to MSCs for the treatment of diseases in which inflammation and immunity play a critical role.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) modulate macrophage polarization, offering a promising cell-free therapy for inflammatory and immune-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess regenerative and immunomodulatory properties.
- MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) mimic parental cell functions by transferring bioactive molecules.
- MSC-EVs interact with macrophages, key regulators of immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of macrophage polarization.
- To explore the role of MSC-EV-induced macrophage polarization in various diseases.
- To highlight MSC-EVs as a potential cell-free therapeutic strategy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on MSC-EVs and macrophage polarization.
- Analysis of studies investigating MSC-EV effects on M1/M2 macrophage phenotypes.
- Synthesis of evidence linking MSC-EV-mediated polarization to disease outcomes.
Main Results:
- MSC-EVs can suppress M1 macrophage polarization and/or promote M2 polarization.
- This modulation impacts disease progression in cardiovascular, pulmonary, digestive, renal, and central nervous system conditions.
- MSC-EVs demonstrate therapeutic potential by influencing immune cell behavior.
Conclusions:
- MSC-EVs represent a promising cell-free therapeutic alternative to MSCs.
- Their ability to modulate macrophage polarization is crucial for treating immune-mediated diseases.
- Further research into MSC-EVs could lead to novel treatments for inflammatory conditions.
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