Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Labeling of Extracellular Vesicles for Monitoring Migration and Uptake in Cartilage Explants
07:58

Labeling of Extracellular Vesicles for Monitoring Migration and Uptake in Cartilage Explants

Published on: October 4, 2021

2.7K

Cellular and Molecular Targets of Extracellular Vesicles from Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis

María José Alcaraz1, María Isabel Guillén1,2

  • 1Interuniversity Research Institute for Molecular Recognition and Technological Development (IDM), University of Valencia, Polytechnic University of Valencia, Av. Vicent A. Estellés s/n, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.

Stem Cells Translational Medicine
|November 1, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promise for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by modulating immune responses and protecting joints. Further research into MSC EV modifications could enhance their therapeutic potential for RA.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive joint destruction.
  • Current RA treatments still have unmet needs for safe and effective therapies achieving clinical remission.
  • Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) possess immunomodulatory and regenerative capabilities, partly mediated by their secretome.

Approach:

  • This review provides a comprehensive overview of the immunomodulatory properties of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs).
  • It examines the effects of MSC EVs on articular cells, particularly fibroblast-like synoviocytes, crucial in RA pathogenesis.
  • The review synthesizes in vitro and in vivo data on the anti-arthritic effects and potential mechanisms of MSC EVs.

Key Points:

  • MSC EVs exhibit significant immunomodulatory functions relevant to treating RA.
  • The transfer of non-coding RNAs by MSC EVs has been identified as a key mechanism regulating RA pathogenesis.
  • MSC EVs demonstrate therapeutic potential in preclinical models of RA, reducing joint inflammation and destruction.

Conclusions:

  • MSC EVs represent a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Modifications to MSC EVs are being explored to enhance their anti-arthritic efficacy and drug delivery capabilities.
  • Further investigation into MSC EV-based therapies could lead to novel treatments for RA patients.
Keywords:
experimental arthritisextracellular vesiclesfibroblast-like synoviocytemesenchymal stem/stromal cellsnon-coding RNAsrheumatoid arthritis

More Related Videos

Setting a Successful Sorting for Extracellular Vesicle Isolation08:37

Setting a Successful Sorting for Extracellular Vesicle Isolation

Published on: October 11, 2024

1.2K
Isolation, Characterization, and Therapeutic Application of Extracellular Vesicles from Cultured Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells07:03

Isolation, Characterization, and Therapeutic Application of Extracellular Vesicles from Cultured Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Published on: September 23, 2022

2.1K

Related Concept Videos

Mesenchymal Stem Cells01:19

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their...
4.9K
Overview of Exosomes01:36

Overview of Exosomes

Exosomes are stable, lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles capable of crossing biological barriers. They can carry a wide range of molecules required for intercellular communication. Once exosomes are released from the cell where they originated, they enter a recipient cell through various pathways such as fusion, receptor-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis.
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
2.8K
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
1.3K
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway01:20

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as  SH2...
9.1K