The Opportunities and Challenges of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Exosomes in Theranostics and Regenerative Medicine

Cell-secreted nanovesicles of endosomal origin, called exosomes, are vital for mediating intracellular communication. As local or distal transporters of intracellular cargo, they reflect the unique characteristics of secretory cells and establish cell-specific interactions via characteristic surface proteins and receptors. With the advent of rapid isolation, purification, and identification techniques, exosomes have become an attractive choice for disease diagnosis (exosomal content as biomarkers), cell-free therapy, and tissue regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes (MSC-exosomes) display angiogenic, immune-modulatory, and other therapeutic effects crucial for cytoprotection, ischemic wound repair, myocardial regeneration, etc. The primary focus of this review is to highlight the widespread application of MSC-exosomes in therapeutics, theranostics, and tissue regeneration. After a brief introduction of exosome properties, biogenesis, isolation, and functions, recent studies on therapeutic and regenerative applications of MSC-exosomes are described, focusing on bone, cartilage, periodontal, cardiovascular, skin, and nerve regeneration. Finally, the review highlights the theranostic potential of exosomes followed by challenges, summary, and outlook.