The role of mesenchymal stem cell‑derived exosomes in asthma (Review)

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease marked by inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness, and remodeling, significantly impacting patient quality of life.
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, making them candidates for regenerative medicine applications.
• The therapeutic effects of MSCs are primarily attributed to exosomes, which mediate intercellular communication via transfer of proteins, lipids, and microRNAs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes in managing asthma.
• To highlight the mechanisms by which MSC-derived exosomes modulate key pathological processes in asthma.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating MSC-derived exosomes and their role in asthma.
• Analysis of the molecular cargo and therapeutic effects of exosomes in preclinical asthma models.
• Exploration of exosome-mediated intercellular communication in the context of asthma pathology.

Main Results:

• MSC-derived exosomes demonstrate significant potential in mitigating asthma symptoms and pathological features.
• Exosomes effectively transfer bioactive molecules that reduce airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness.
• Evidence suggests exosomes can modulate airway remodeling processes, a key aspect of chronic asthma.

Conclusions:

• MSC-derived exosomes represent a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy for asthma.
• Their ability to deliver therapeutic molecules offers a targeted approach to combatting asthma's complex pathology.
• Further research into MSC-derived exosomes could lead to novel treatments for improving asthma management and patient outcomes.