Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells improved function and survival of neutrophils from severe congenital neutropenia patients in vitro

Knowledge mapping of extracellular vesicles in wound healing: A bibliometric analysis (2002-2022)

Extracellular vesicles in wound healing have become an active research field with substantial value and potential. Nevertheless, there are few bibliometric studies in this field. We aimed to visualise the research hot spots and trends of extracellular vesicles in wound healing using a bibliometric analysis to help understand the future development of basic and clinical research. The articles and reviews regarding extracellular vesicles in the wound healing were selected from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewers, CiteSpace and R package "bibliometric" were used to conduct this bibliometric analysis. A total of 1225 articles from 56 countries led by China and the United States were included. The number of publications related to extracellular vesicles increased year by year. Shanghai Jiaotong University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University and Central South University are the main research institutions. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is the most popular journal in this field, while Stem Cell Research & Therapy is the most frequently cited journal. These papers come from 7546 authors, among which Zhang Wei has published the most papers and Zhang Bin has the most cocited papers. The research on the treatment strategy of extracellular vesicles in the process of wound healing is the main topic in this field. "exosomes", "miRNA", "angiogenesis", "regenerative medicine", "inflammation" and "diabetic wound" are the main key words of emerging research hotspots. This is the first bibliometric study, which comprehensively summarises the research trend and development of extracellular vesicles and exocrine bodies in wound healing. These informations determine the latest research frontiers and hot directions, and provide reference for the study of extracellular vesicles and exosomes.

Clinical Prospect of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Kidney Disease: Challenges and the Way Forward

Kidney disease is a growing public health problem worldwide, including both acute and chronic forms. Existing therapies for kidney disease target various pathogenic mechanisms; however, these therapies only slow down the progression of the disease rather than offering a cure. One of the potential and emerging approaches for the treatment of kidney disease is mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) therapy, shown to have beneficial effects in preclinical studies. In addition, extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by MSCs became a potent cell-free therapy option in various preclinical models of kidney disease due to their regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. However, there are scarce clinical data available regarding the use of MSC-EVs in kidney pathologies. This review article provides an outline of the renoprotective effects of MSC-EVs in different preclinical models of kidney disease. It offers a comprehensive analysis of possible mechanisms of action of MSC-EVs with an emphasis on kidney disease. Finally, on the journey toward the implementation of MSC-EVs into clinical practice, we highlight the need to establish standardized methods for the characterization of an EV-based product and investigate the adequate dosing, safety, and efficacy of MSC-EVs application, as well as the development of suitable potency assays.

Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by COVID-19 with Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

This study aimed to identify the impact of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on the safety and clinical outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19. This research focused on how lung functional status, miRNA, and cytokine levels changed following mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and their correlation with fibrotic changes in the lung. This study involved 15 patients following conventional anti-viral treatment (Control group) and 13 patients after three consecutive doses of combined treatment with MSC transplantation (MCS group). ELISA was used to measure cytokine levels, real-time qPCR for miRNA expression, and lung computed tomography (CT) imaging to grade fibrosis. Data were collected on the day of patient admission (day 0) and on the 7th, 14th, and 28th days of follow-up. A lung CT assay was performed on weeks 2, 8, 24, and 48 after the beginning of hospitalization. The relationship between levels of biomarkers in peripheral blood and lung function parameters was investigated using correlation analysis. We confirmed that triple MSC transplantation in individuals with severe COVID-19 was safe and did not cause severe adverse reactions. The total score of lung CT between patients from the Control and MSC groups did not differ significantly on weeks 2, 8, and 24 after the beginning of hospitalization. However, on week 48, the CT total score was 12 times lower in patients in the MSC group (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the Control group. In the MSC group, this parameter gradually decreased from week 2 to week 48 of observation, whereas in the Control group, a significant drop was observed up to week 24 and remained unchanged afterward. In our study, MSC therapy improved lymphocyte recovery. The percentage of banded neutrophils in the MSC group was significantly lower in comparison with control patients on day 14. Inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP decreased more rapidly in the MSC group in comparison to the Control group. The plasma levels of surfactant D, a marker of alveocyte type II damage, decreased after MSC transplantation for four weeks in contrast to patients in the Control group, in whom slight elevations were observed. We first showed that MSC transplantation in severe COVID-19 patients led to the elevation of the plasma levels of IP-10, MIP-1α, G-CSF, and IL-10. However, the plasma levels of inflammatory markers such as IL-6, MCP-1, and RAGE did not differ between groups. MSC transplantation had no impact on the relative expression levels of miR-146a, miR-27a, miR-126, miR-221, miR-21, miR-133, miR-92a-3p, miR-124, and miR-424. In vitro, UC-MSC exhibited an immunomodulatory impact on PBMC, increasing neutrophil activation, phagocytosis, and leukocyte movement, activating early T cell markers, and decreasing effector and senescent effector T cell maturation.

Immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles: Targeting immune cells

Various intractable inflammatory diseases caused by disorders of immune systems have pressed heavily on public health. Innate and adaptive immune cells as well as secreted cytokines and chemokines are commanders to mediate our immune systems. Therefore, restoring normal immunomodulatory responses of immune cells is crucial for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are nano-sized double-membraned vesicles acting as paracrine effectors of MSCs. MSC-EVs, containing a variety of therapeutic agents, have shown great potential in immune modulation. Herein, we discuss the novel regulatory functions of MSC-EVs from different sources in the activities of innate and adaptive immune cells like macrophages, granulocytes, mast cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and lymphocytes. Then, we summarize the latest clinical trials of MSC-EVs in inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we prospect the research trend of MSC-EVs in the field of immune modulation. Despite the fact that the research on the role of MSC-EVs in regulating immune cells is in infancy, this cell-free therapy based on MSC-EVs still offers a promising solution for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Recent advances to enhance the immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stem cells

Considering the unique therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), including their immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory properties as well as their ability to improve tissue regeneration, these cells have attracted the attention of scientists and clinicians for the treatment of different inflammatory and immune system mediated disorders. However, various clinical trials using MSCs for the therapeutic purpose are conflicting and differ from the results of promising preclinical studies. This inconsistency is caused by several factors such as poor migration and homing capacities, low survival rate, low level of proliferation and differentiation, and donor-dependent variation of the cells. Enhancement and retention of persistent therapeutic effects of the cells remain a challenge to overcome in MSC-based therapy. In this review, we summarized various approaches to enhance the clinical outcomes of MSC-based therapy as well as revised current and future perspectives for the creation of cellular products with improved potential for diverse clinical applications.

Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells protect the injured spinal cord by inhibiting pericyte pyroptosis

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising treatment strategy for spinal cord injury, but immunological rejection and possible tumor formation limit its application. The therapeutic effects of MSCs mainly depend on their release of soluble paracrine factors. Exosomes are essential for the secretion of these paracrine effectors. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSC-EXOs) can be substituted for BMSCs in cell transplantation. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a rat model of T10 spinal cord injury was established using the impact method. Then, 30 minutes and 1 day after spinal cord injury, the rats were administered 200 μL exosomes via the tail vein (200 μg/mL; approximately 1 × 10⁶ BMSCs). Treatment with BMSC-EXOs greatly reduced neuronal cell death, improved myelin arrangement and reduced myelin loss, increased pericyte/endothelial cell coverage on the vascular wall, decreased blood-spinal cord barrier leakage, reduced caspase 1 expression, inhibited interleukin-1β release, and accelerated locomotor functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injury. In the cell culture experiment, pericytes were treated with interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. Then, Lipofectamine 3000 was used to deliver lipopolysaccharide into the cells, and the cells were co-incubated with adenosine triphosphate to simulate injury in vitro. Pre-treatment with BMSC-EXOs for 8 hours greatly reduced pericyte pyroptosis and increased pericyte survival rate. These findings suggest that BMSC-EXOs may protect pericytes by inhibiting pyroptosis and by improving blood-spinal cord barrier integrity, thereby promoting the survival of neurons and the extension of nerve fibers, and ultimately improving motor function in rats with spinal cord injury. All protocols were conducted with the approval of the Animal Ethics Committee of Zhengzhou University on March 16, 2019.

MicroRNA-Enriched Exosomes from Different Sources of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Can Differentially Modulate Functions of Immune Cells and Neurogenesis

Adult Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes carry several biologically active molecules that play prominent roles in controlling disease manifestations. The content of these exosomes, their functions, and effect on the immune cells may differ depending on their tissue sources. Therefore, in this study, we purified the exosomes from three different sources and, using the RNA-Seq approach, highly abundant microRNAs were identified and compared between exosomes and parental cells. The effects of exosomes on different immune cells were studied in vitro by incubating exosomes with PBMC and neutrophils and assessing their functions. The expression levels of several miRNAs varied within the different MSCs and exosomes. Additionally, the expression profile of most of the miRNAs was not similar to that of their respective sources. Exosomes isolated from different sources had different abilities to induce the process of neurogenesis and angiogenesis. Moreover, these exosomes demonstrated their varying effect on PBMC proliferation, neutrophil survival, and NET formation, highlighting their versatility and broad interaction with immune cells. The knowledge gained from this study will improve our understanding of the miRNA landscape of exosomes from hMSCs and provide a resource for further improving our understanding of exosome cargo and their interaction with immune cells.

MSCs and Inflammatory Cells Crosstalk in Regenerative Medicine: Concerted Actions for Optimized Resolution Driven by Energy Metabolism

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are currently widely used in cell based therapy regarding to their remarkable efficacy in controlling the inflammatory status in patients. Despite recent progress and encouraging results, inconstant therapeutic benefits are reported suggesting that significant breakthroughs in the understanding of MSCs immunomodulatory mechanisms of action remains to be investigated and certainly apprehended from original point of view. This review will focus on the recent findings regarding MSCs close relationship with the innate immune compartment, i.e. granulocytes and myeloid cells. The review will also consider the intercellular mechanism of communication involved, such as factor secretion, cell-cell contact, extracellular vesicles, mitochondria transfer and efferocytosis. Immune-like-properties of MSCs supporting part of their therapeutic effect in the clinical setting will be discussed, as well as their potentials (immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant defenses and metabolic adaptation…) and effects mediated, such as cell polarization, differentiation, death and survival on various immune and tissue cell targets determinant in triggering tissue regeneration. Their metabolic properties in term of sensing, reacting and producing metabolites influencing tissue inflammation will be highlighted. The review will finally open to discussion how ongoing scientific advances on MSCs could be efficiently translated to clinic in chronic and age-related inflammatory diseases and the current limits and gaps that remain to be overcome to achieving tissue regeneration and rejuvenation.

Clinical Translational Potentials of Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an organ-specific disease characterized by the deficiency of insulin caused by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic islet β cells. Stem cell-based therapies play essential roles in immunomodulation and tissue regeneration, both of which hold great promise for treating many autoimmune dysfunctions. However, their clinical translational potential has been limited by ethical issues and cell transplant rejections. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by almost all types of cells, performing a variety of cell functions through the delivery of their molecular contents such as proteins, DNAs, and RNAs. Increasing evidence suggests that stem cell-derived EVs exhibit similar functions as their parent cells, which may represent novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases including T1D. In this review, we summarize the current research progresses of stem cell-derived EVs for the treatment of T1D.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes: Biological Function and Their Therapeutic Potential in Radiation Damage

Radiation-induced damage is a common occurrence in cancer patients who undergo radiotherapy. In this setting, radiation-induced damage can be refractory because the regeneration responses of injured tissues or organs are not well stimulated. Mesenchymal stem cells have become ideal candidates for managing radiation-induced damage. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells have a similar effect on repairing tissue damage mainly because these exosomes carry various bioactive substances, such as miRNAs, proteins and lipids, which can affect immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and cell survival and proliferation. Although the mechanisms by which mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes repair radiation damage have not been fully elucidated, we intend to translate their biological features into a radiation damage model and aim to provide new insight into the management of radiation damage.

Potential Roles of Tumor Cell- and Stroma Cell-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles in Promoting a Pro-Angiogenic Tumor Microenvironment

Simple Summary

In this review, we focus on the distinct functions of tumor-cell-derived small extracellular vesicles in promotion of angiogenesis and describe their potential as a therapeutic target for anti-angiogenic therapies. Also, we focus on extracellular vesicles derived from non-cancer cells and their potential role in stimulating a pro-angiogenic tumor microenvironment. The article describes the biogenesis of small extracellular vesicles and refers to their proteomic cargo components that play a role in promoting angiogenesis. Moreover, we explain how small extracellular vesicles derived from tumors and non-cancer cells can interact with recipient cells and alter their functions. We particularly focus on phenotypical and functional changes in endothelial cells, macrophages, and neutrophils that result in proangiogenic signaling.

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced and released by all cells and are present in all body fluids. They exist in a variety of sizes, however, small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), the EV subset with a size range from 30 to 150 nm, are of current interest. They are characterized by a distinct biogenesis and complex cargo composition, which reflects the cytosolic contents and cell-surface molecules of the parent cells. This cargo consists of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids and is competent in inducing signaling cascades in recipient cells after surface interactions or in initiating the generation of a functional protein by delivering nucleic acids. Based on these characteristics, sEVs are now considered as important mediators of intercellular communication. One hallmark of sEVs is the promotion of angiogenesis. It was shown that sEVs interact with endothelial cells (ECs) and promote an angiogenic phenotype, ultimately leading to increased vascularization of solid tumors and disease progression. It was also shown that sEVs reprogram cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and act in a functionally cooperative fashion to promote angiogenesis by a paracrine mechanism involving the differential expression and secretion of angiogenic factors from other cell types. In this review, we will focus on the distinct functions of tumor-cell-derived sEVs (TEX) in promotion of angiogenesis and describe their potential as a therapeutic target for anti-angiogenic therapies. Also, we will focus on non-cancer stroma-cell-derived small extracellular vesicles and their potential role in stimulating a pro-angiogenic TME.

Improving the function of neutrophils from chronic granulomatous disease patients using mesenchymal stem cells' exosomes

In chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patients, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by neutrophils is impaired. So, they are susceptible to infections. Studies showed that, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have protective effects on the function of neutrophils and an approach that MSCs use to apply their effects, is secreting soluble factors and exosomes. So, we investigated the effects of MSC-exosomes and MSC-conditioned media (MSC-CM) on the function and apoptosis of neutrophils in CGD patients. In this study, neutrophils were isolated from healthy donors and CGD patients and then incubated with exosomes or CM that were prepared from MSCs. Then, neutrophil respiratory burst, apoptosis and phagocytosis capacity were evaluated by NBT assay, Annexin V-PI method and Giemsa staining. It was demonstrated that both MSC-exosomes and CM could improve the phagocytosis capacity and ROS production of neutrophils in CGD patients and healthy donors. In contrast to the healthy group, in CGD patients, exosomes significantly reduced the percentage of viable neutrophils. This report indicated that MSC exosomes and CM could increase the function of the neutrophils isolated from CGD patients. But decreasing the number of the living cells is one of the limitations of them. However, it is hoped that this intervention will be developed in future studies to minimize its limitations.

Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exosomes and Conditioned Media Increased Neutrophil Lifespan and Phagocytosis Capacity

Neutrophils are the first cells involved in inflammation and pathogen elimination, but they have a short lifespan. So, strategies for enhancing neutrophil lifespan and activities can be useful in many situations such as patients with immunodeficiencies. Previous researches demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) has anti-apoptotic effects on neutrophils. These multipotent cells have immunomodulatory properties and can be isolated from different tissues. MSCs isolated from Wharton's jelly (WJ-MSCs), a mucosal connective tissue of the umbilical cord, may be better candidates than MSCs obtained from bone marrow or adipose tissue, because WJ-MSCs are younger and protected from damages that are resulted from aging, environmental toxins, and diseases. In addition, they have high proliferative capacity, easier accessibility, and more abundance. It was shown that following in vitro expansion, they are more effective than other sources of MSCs. Cell to cell contact or secretion of soluble factors and exosomes are the main approaches of MSCs in applying their effects. Exosomes and conditioned media (CM) were prepared from WJ-MSCs. Then, neutrophils were isolated and cultured with medium, CM, or exosomes. Then, neutrophil respiratory burst, apoptosis, and phagocytosis capacity were assessed by NBT assay, Annexin V-PI method, and Giemsa staining, respectively. Both treatments improved neutrophil lifespan and phagocytosis. Only MSC-CM could enhance neutrophil respiratory burst. This research demonstrated that MSC-exosomes and CM have protective effects on neutrophil function and lifespan. It can be concluded that MSC mediators can be responsible factors for protective functions of MSCs on neutrophils.

The effects of 17 Beta-Estradiol primed mesenchymal stem cells on the biology of co-cultured neutrophil

OBJECTIVES

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can influence immune effector cells. It is proved that MSCs respond to various Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, which could ultimately result in changes in their immunomodulatory effects. Neutrophils play an essential role in the first line defense system and their function can be regulated by MSCs. Estrogen is a female hormone that contributes to sex differences in several immune-related diseases. With regard to the stated facts, this research aims to elucidate the effects of estrogen treatment on the ability of TLR4-primed MSCs to regulate neutrophil functions.

METHODS

Following isolation and characterization, MSCs were stimulated with LPS as a TLR4 ligand and subsequently incubated with different concentrations (0, 10, 20 and 40 nM) of estrogen for 48 hrs. Then, MSCs were co-cultured with neutrophils to investigate the vitality and function of the co-cultured neutrophils.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that TLR4-primed MSCs could decrease the viability and neutral red uptake potential of co-cultured neutrophils. Furthermore, neutrophils co-cultured with TLR4-primed MSCs exhibited a decrease in the respiratory burst intensity after being challenged with opsonized yeast. Interestingly, treating TLR4-primed MSCs with estrogen reversed the observed alterations in neutrophil functions.

CONCLUSION

It appears that estrogen can alter the interaction between MSCs and neutrophils.

Cyclin-dependent kinases and CDK inhibitors in virus-associated cancers

The role of several risk factors, such as pollution, consumption of alcohol, age, sex and obesity in cancer progression is undeniable. Human malignancies are mainly characterized by deregulation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) and cyclin inhibitor kinases (CIK) activities. Viruses express some onco-proteins which could interfere with CDK and CIKs function, and induce some signals to replicate their genome into host's cells. By reviewing some studies about the function of CDK and CIKs in cells infected with oncoviruses, such as HPV, HTLV, HERV, EBV, KSHV, HBV and HCV, we reviewed the mechanisms of different onco-proteins which could deregulate the cell cycle proteins.

Evaluating the expression level of miR-9-5p and miR-192-5p in gastrointestinal cancer: introducing novel screening biomarkers for patients

OBJECTIVE

It has been indicated that there is a tight association between cancer and different factors, such as environment and genetics, including aberrantly expressed microRNAs. The crucial role of microRNAs in the regulation of diverse signaling pathways in gastrointestinal cancer has been established in several studies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of microRNA-9 and -192 in colon and gastric cancers. After extracting the RNA from tissues and serum samples of patients, suffering from colon and gastric cancer, cDNA was synthesized. Then by performing quantitative real-time PCR, we evaluated the expression level of miR-9-5p and miR-192-5p in collected samples.

RESULTS

Unlike to colon cancer in which the expression level of miR-9-5p remained unchanged, the relative expression of this miRNA decreased remarkably in gastric cancer (with P value < 0.05), in comparison with normal adjacent tissues. In agreement with this finding, we also found that the expression level of miR-192-5p was decreased in gastric cancer tissues, compared to normal gastric tissue. Given the reduction in the expression level of miR-9-5p and miR-192-5p in gastric cancer, it could be postulated to consider these miRNAs as promising diagnostic biomarkers.