Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Immunomodulatory Effects and Potential Applications in

Shaojun Hu1, Hongyuan Xing1, Jiangnan Zhang2

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Zhejiang, 310009 Hangzhou, China.

Stem Cells International
|February 28, 2022
PubMed

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degenerative disease is a common health problem worldwide. Administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) has been widely explored in recent years. However, transplantation of MSCs is restricted by several factors. Currently, paracrine signaling is one of the main mechanisms by which MSCs play a therapeutic role in disc regeneration. Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are the main paracrine products of MSCs. They show great potential as an effective alternative to MSCs and play immunomodulation roles such as anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidative stress, antiapoptosis, and antiextracellular matrix (ECM) degradation during treatment of IVDD. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory effect of MSC EVs and their potential applications.

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