Current progress in engineered and nano-engineered mesenchymal stem cells for cancer: From mechanisms to therapy
Forough Shams1, Bahareh Pourjabbar2, Nader Hashemi3
1Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 1968917313 Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as self-renewing multipotent stromal cells, have been considered promising agents for cancer treatment. A large number of studies have demonstrated the valuable properties of MSC-based treatment, such as low immunogenicity and intrinsic tumor-trophic migratory properties. To enhance the potency of MSCs for therapeutic purposes, equipping MSCs with targeted delivery functions using genetic engineering is highly beneficial. Genetically engineered MSCs can express tumor suppressor agents such as pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic factors and act as ideal delivery vehicles. MSCs can also be loaded with nanoparticle drugs for increased efficacy and externally moderated targeting. Moreover, exosomes secreted by MSCs have important physiological properties, so they can contribute to intercellular communication and transfer cargo into targeted tumor cells. The precise role of genetically modified MSCs in tumor environments is still up for debate, but the beginning of clinical trials has been confirmed by promising results from preclinical investigations of MSC-based gene therapy for a wide range of malignancies. This review highlights the advanced techniques of engineering/nano-engineering and MSC-derived exosomes in tumor-targeted therapy.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for cancer therapy due to their tumor-homing abilities. Genetic engineering and MSC-derived exosomes enhance their potential as targeted cancer treatment delivery vehicles.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells with low immunogenicity and tumor-tropic migration.
- MSCs possess inherent properties making them suitable for cancer treatment applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advanced engineering and nano-engineering techniques for enhancing MSC-based cancer therapy.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of MSC-derived exosomes in targeted tumor treatment.
Main Methods:
- Genetic engineering of MSCs to express tumor suppressor agents (pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic factors).
- Loading MSCs with nanoparticle drugs for enhanced efficacy and external targeting.
- Utilizing exosomes secreted by MSCs for intercellular communication and cargo delivery to tumor cells.
Main Results:
- Genetically engineered MSCs can serve as effective delivery vehicles for anti-cancer agents.
- Nanoparticle-loaded MSCs and MSC-derived exosomes show potential for increased therapeutic efficacy.
- Preclinical studies demonstrate promising results for MSC-based gene therapy in various malignancies.
Conclusions:
- Advanced engineering strategies significantly enhance the therapeutic potency of MSCs for cancer treatment.
- MSC-derived exosomes represent a promising cell-free therapeutic approach for targeted cancer therapy.
- Clinical trials are emerging, indicating the progression of MSC-based therapies from preclinical to clinical settings.
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