Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: existing problems and prospects in application / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Exosomes are nano-scale vesicles that can be secreted by almost all types of cells in the body, which can participate in multiple cell signaling pathways by transporting signal molecules, such as proteins, lipids and miRNAs to perform intercellular communication, immune responses, and antigen presentation. Therefore, exosomes have a great value in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Of the cell types known to produce exosomes, mesenchymal stem cells are currently the most prolific producer closely related to the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases. OBJECTIVE: To review the origin and biological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes, the isolation and identification methods of exosomes, and the progress of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS: The literature search was performed in PubMed and CNKI databases, and the keywords were "mesenchymal stem cells; exosomes; MSC-exosomes; neurodegenerative diseases" in Chinese and English, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 61 eligible literatures were enrolled. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes have low immunogenicity and long-circulating half-life and can carry small molecular substances across the blood-brain barrier, which can promote nerve cell growth and neuronal differentiation. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes help damaged nervous system function and enhance vascular neurogenesis, which is becoming an emerging treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.