Biodistribution of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in a Radiation Injury Bone Marrow Murine Model

Intranasal delivery of engineered extracellular vesicles loaded with miR-206-3p antagomir ameliorates Alzheimer's disease phenotypes

Rationale: The level of miR-206-3p in the plasma and temporal cortex is increased in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. miR-206-3p antagomir injected into hippocampus ameliorates cognitive deficits by enhancing the level of BDNF. However, the trauma caused by brain injection and susceptibility to degradation limit its application. Methods: To overcome these challenges, we constructed engineered extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC-EVs) loaded with miR-206-3p antagomir (MSC-EVs-anta) by electroporation technology, and explored the therapeutic effects of MSC-EVs-anta delivered by intranasal administration on AD mice. Transcriptome sequencing and LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis were employed to disclose the mechanism underlying the attenuation of AD phenotypes by MSC-EVs-anta. Results: MSC-EVs-anta had favorable neuroprotection by promoting neurite outgrowth in vitro. Following intranasal administration, MSC-EVs-anta improved learning and memory deficits, promoted hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, and alleviated Aβ deposition. Compared with MSC-EVs or miR-206-3p antagomir alone, MSC-EVs-anta showed superior therapeutic effects. Mechanistically, MSC-EVs-anta significantly upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in AD mice, and activated the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. The data from two-omics analyses demonstrated that the differentially expressed proteins and genes significantly regulated by MSC-EVs-anta were primarily enriched in the pathways involved in neurogenesis and synapse. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the intranasal administration of MSC-EVs-anta as a promising strategy for the treatment of AD.

Phosphatidylserine-mediated uptake of extracellular vesicles by hepatocytes ameliorates liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

Compelling evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) promote regeneration in animal models of liver injury by delivering signaling molecules. However, their target cells and uptake mechanism remain elusive. In this study, MSC-EVs were intravenously administered in a mouse model of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Our results revealed that MSC-EVs exhibit enhanced liver targeting in IRI mice, and injured hepatocytes display a greater capacity for MSC-EV uptake. We found that phosphatidylserine (PS) displayed on the exterior of injured hepatocytes promotes MSC-EV internalization, possibly by binding to MFGE8, a protein expressed on the MSC-EV membrane. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of MSC-EVs on liver IRI is highly dependent on this PS-mediated uptake pathway. Our findings provide evidence that MSC-EVs preferentially target injured hepatocytes, relying on a PS-dependent uptake route to exert hepatoprotective effects, which are critical for the future design of EV-based therapeutic strategies for liver IRI.

A Perspective on the Characterization of Early Neural Progenitor Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Targeted Delivery to Neuroblastoma Cells

As an element of the cellular signaling systems, extracellular vesicles (EVs) exhibit many desirable traits for usage as targeted delivery vehicles. When administered, EVs cause little to no toxic or immune response, stay in circulation for longer periods compared to synthetic carriers, preferentially accumulate in tissues that are the same or similar to their cell-of-origin and can pass through the blood-brain barrier. Combined, these traits make neural EVs a particularly promising tool for delivering drugs to the brain. This study aims to combine tissue and EVs engineering to prepare neural differentiated cells derived EVs that exhibit neural properties, to develop an effective, tissue-homing drug and gene delivery platform for the brain. Early neural differentiated cell-derived EVs were produced with neural characteristics from neural differentiated human neonatal dermal fibroblasts. The EVs carried key neural proteins such as Nestin, Sox2 and Doublecortin. The cellular uptake of early neural differentiated cell-derived EVs was higher compared to non-neural EVs during in vitro uptake assays on neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, eND-EVs were significantly decreased the viability of neuroblastoma cells. In conclusion, this study revealed that early neural differentiated cell-derived EVs have potential as a promising drug carrier for the treatment of various neural disorders.

The role of mesenchymal stem cells in cancer and prospects for their use in cancer therapeutics

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited by malignant tumor cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of malignant tumors. This role encompasses immune evasion, promotion of angiogenesis, stimulation of cancer cell proliferation, correlation with cancer stem cells, multilineage differentiation within the TME, and development of treatment resistance. Simultaneously, extensive research is exploring the homing effect of MSCs and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSCs-EVs) in tumors, aiming to design them as carriers for antitumor substances. These substances are targeted to deliver antitumor drugs to enhance drug efficacy while reducing drug toxicity. This paper provides a review of the supportive role of MSCs in tumor progression and the associated molecular mechanisms. Additionally, we summarize the latest therapeutic strategies involving engineered MSCs and MSCs-EVs in cancer treatment, including their utilization as carriers for gene therapeutic agents, chemotherapeutics, and oncolytic viruses. We also discuss the distribution and clearance of MSCs and MSCs-EVs upon entry into the body to elucidate the potential of targeted therapies based on MSCs and MSCs-EVs in cancer treatment, along with the challenges they face.

Bioengineering extracellular vesicle cargo for optimal therapeutic efficiency

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have the innate ability to carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells, and thus these vesicles have gained much attention as potential therapeutic delivery vehicles. Many strategies have been explored to enhance the loading of specific cargoes of interest into EVs, which could result in the delivery of more therapeutic to recipient cells, thus enhancing therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss the natural biogenesis of EVs, the mechanism by which proteins and nucleic acids are selected for inclusion in EVs, and novel methods that have been employed to enhance loading of specific cargoes into EVs. As well, we discuss biodistribution of administered EVs in vivo and summarize clinical trials that have attempted to harness the therapeutic potential of EVs.

M2 macrophage-derived exosomes carry miR-142-3p to restore the differentiation balance of irradiated BMMSCs by targeting TGF-β1

Radiotherapy is essential to cancer treatment, while it inevitably injures surrounding normal tissues, and bone tissue is one of the most common sites prone to irradiation. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are sensitive to irradiation and the irradiated dysfunction of BMMSCs may be closely related to irradiation-induced bone damage. Macropahges play important role in regulating stem cell function, bone metabolic balance and irradiation response, but the effects of macrophages on irradiated BMMSCs are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of macrophages and macrophage-derived exosomes in restoring irradiated BMMSCs function. The effects of macrophage conditioned medium (CM) and macrophage-derived exosomes on osteogenic and fibrogenic differentiation capacities of irradiated BMMSCs were detected. The key microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) and targeted proteins in exosomes were also determined. The results showed that irradiation significantly inhibited the proliferation of BMMSCs, and caused differentiation imbalance of BMMSCs, with decreased osteogenic differentiation and increased fibrogenic differentiation. M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2D-exos) inhibited the fibrogenic differentiation and promoted the osteogenic differentiation of irradiated BMMSCs. We identified that miR-142-3p was significantly overexpressed in M2D-exos and irradiated BMMSCs treated with M2D-exos. After inhibition of miR-142-3p in M2 macrophage, the effects of M2D-exos on irradiated BMMSCs differentiation were eliminated. Furthermore, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), as a direct target of miR-142-3p, was significantly decreased in irradiated BMMSCs treated with M2D-exos. This study indicated that M2D-exos could carry miR-142-3p to restore the differentiation balance of irradiated BMMSCs by targeting TGF-β1. These findings pave a new way for promising and cell-free method to treat irradiation-induced bone damage.

Assessing In Vivo Bacterial Extracellular Vesicle (BEV) Biodistribution Using Fluorescent Lipophilic Membrane Stains

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are nano-size vesicles containing a cargo of bioactive molecules that can play key roles in microbe-microbe and microbe-host interactions. In tracking their biodistribution in vivo, BEVs can cross several physical host barriers including the intestinal epithelium, vascular endothelium, and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) to ultimately accumulate in tissues such as the liver, lungs, spleen, and the brain. This tissue-specific dissemination has been exploited for the delivery of biomolecules such as vaccines for mucosal delivery. Although numerous strategies for labeling and tracking BEVs have been described, most have constraints that impact on interpreting in vivo bioimaging patterns. Here, we describe a general method for labeling BEVs using lipophilic fluorescent membrane stains which can be adopted by non-expert users. We also describe how the procedure can be used to overcome potential limitations. Furthermore, we outline methods of quantitative ex vivo tissue imaging that can be used to evaluate BEV organ trafficking.

Lack of cardiac benefit after intramyocardial or intravenous injection of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles supports the need for optimized cardiac delivery

Aim

To determine the differences in improvement in cardiac function by intramyocardial (IM) vs. intravenous (IV) injection of human bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (HBMSC-EV) after acute MI.

Methods

FVB mice underwent acute MI via left anterior descending coronary artery ligation and subsequent injection of: (1) IM saline control; (2) IM HBMSC-EV; (3) IV saline control; and (4) IV HBMSC-EV. Cardiac function was evaluated with weekly postoperative echocardiography. On postoperative day 28, the mice were euthanized, and the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys were harvested. Given previous studies showing HBMSC-EV hepatic uptake after IV injection, the liver was evaluated for changes in inflammation, fibrosis, and proliferation.

Results

On postoperative day 28, there were no significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.6151), fractional shortening (P = 0.1135), or anterior border zone fibrosis (P = 0.6333) in any of the experimental groups. Interestingly, there was a strong trend demonstrating improvement in infarct size on fibrosis staining, which did not reach significance (P = 0.05620). There were no differences in hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and proliferation.

Conclusions

Although there was a trend in the improvement in infarct size, a single-dose administration of neither IM nor IV injection of HBMSC-EV resulted in significant improvement in post-MI cardiac function. A major limitation of this study is the lack of trials determining the optimal dose of HBMSC-EV needed in this model. However, the current study demonstrates that future studies are required to either optimize administration or bioengineer HBMSC-EV with cardiac-homing properties.

Biodistribution of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles administered during acute lung injury

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are a promising cell-free therapy for acute lung injury (ALI). To date, no studies have investigated their biodistribution in ALI or discerned the timing of administration for maximal lung targeting, which are crucial considerations for clinical translation. Our study aimed to characterize a mouse model of ALI and establish the distribution kinetics and optimal timing of MSC-EV delivery during lung injury.

METHODS

MSC-EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation alone (U/C) or tangential flow filtration with ultracentrifugation (TFF-U/C) and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model of ALI was established to study the inflammatory response over 72 h. ALI was assessed by histological lung injury score, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell count and inflammatory cytokines. For biodistribution studies, ALI mice were intravenously administered fluorescently labeled MSC-EVs to determine the optimal timing of administration and organ-specific biodistribution. Live in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging was conducted at various timepoints post-EV injection.

RESULTS

EVs isolated by either ultracentrifugation alone or TFF-U/C displayed comparable size distribution (~ 50-350 nm) and EV marker expression (CD63/81). TFF-U/C generated a 5.4-fold higher particle concentration and 3.9-fold higher total protein when compared to ultracentrifugation alone. From the inflammatory time-course study, cell count and IL-1β peaked in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at 24 h after ALI induction. MSC-EVs delivered at 24 h (as opposed to 0.5 h, 5 h or 10 h) after disease induction resulted in a 2.7-4.4-fold higher lung uptake of EVs. Biodistribution studies comparing organ-specific MSC-EV uptake showed progressive lung accumulation up to 48 h post-delivery (threefold higher than the spleen/liver), with a decline at 72 h. Importantly, lung EV fluorescence at 48 h in ALI mice was significantly elevated as compared to control mice. The lung tropism of MSC-EVs was further validated as therapeutically inert EVs derived from HEK293T cells accumulated mainly to the spleen and liver with a 5.5-fold lower distribution to the lungs as compared to MSC-EVs.

CONCLUSION

MSC-EVs exhibit maximal lung accumulation when administered during heightened inflammation at 24 h after ALI induction. This lung tropism suggests that MSC-EVs may serve as a practical rescue treatment for acute inflammatory respiratory conditions.

Extracellular Vesicles in Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Update

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. The likelihood of developing a neurodegenerative disease rises dramatically as life expectancy increases. Although it has drawn significant attention, there is still a lack of proper effective treatments for neurodegenerative disease because the mechanisms of its development and progression are largely unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small bi-lipid layer-enclosed nanosized particles in tissues and biological fluids. EVs are emerging as novel intercellular messengers and regulate a series of biological responses. Increasing evidence suggests that EVs are involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we summarize the recent findings of EVs in neurodegenerative diseases and bring up the limitations in the field.

A Review of Labeling Approaches Used in Small Extracellular Vesicles Tracing and Imaging

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs) originating from the endosomal compartment, are a kind of lipid bilayer vesicles released by almost all types of cells, serving as natural carriers of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids for intercellular communication and transfer of bioactive molecules. The current findings suggest their vital role in physiological and pathological processes. Various sEVs labeling techniques have been developed for the more advanced study of the function, mode of action, bio-distribution, and related information of sEVs. In this review, we summarize the existing and emerging sEVs labeling techniques, including fluorescent labeling, radioisotope labeling, nanoparticle labeling, chemical contrast agents labeling, and label-free technique. These approaches will pave the way for an in-depth study of sEVs. We present a systematic and comprehensive review of the principles, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of these techniques, to help promote applications of these labeling approaches in future research on sEVs.

Exploring Natural Products as Radioprotective Agents for Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Opportunities

Radiotherapy is an important cancer treatment. However, in addition to killing tumor cells, radiotherapy causes damage to the surrounding cells and is toxic to normal tissues. Therefore, an effective radioprotective agent that prevents the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation is required. Numerous synthetic substances have been shown to have clear radioprotective effects. However, most of these have not been translated for use in clinical applications due to their high toxicity and side effects. Many medicinal plants have been shown to exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In recent years, new agents obtained from natural products have been investigated by radioprotection researchers, due to their abundance of sources, high efficiency, and low toxicity. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the radioprotective effects of natural products, including ROS scavenging, promotion of DNA damage repair, anti-inflammatory effects, and the inhibition of cell death signaling pathways. In addition, we systematically review natural products with radioprotective properties, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and saponins. Specifically, we discuss the polyphenols apigenin, genistein, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin; the polysaccharides astragalus, schisandra, and Hohenbuehelia serotina; the saponins ginsenosides and acanthopanax senticosus; and the alkaloids matrine, ligustrazine, and β-carboline. However, further optimization through structural modification, improved extraction and purification methods, and clinical trials are needed before clinical translation. With a deeper understanding of the radioprotective mechanisms involved and the development of high-throughput screening methods, natural products could become promising novel radioprotective agents.

Potential angiogenic, immunomodulatory, and antifibrotic effects of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an intricate systemic autoimmune disease with pathological features such as vascular injury, immune dysregulation, and extensive fibrosis of the skin and multiple organs. Treatment options are limited; however, recently, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been acknowledged in preclinical and clinical trials as being useful in treating autoimmune diseases and are likely superior to MSCs alone. Recent research has also shown that MSC-EVs can ameliorate SSc and the pathological changes in vasculopathy, immune dysfunction, and fibrosis. This review summarizes the therapeutic effects of MSC-EVs on SSc and the mechanisms that have been discovered to provide a theoretical basis for future studies on the role of MSC-EVs in treating SSc.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Hype or Hope for Skeletal Muscle Anti-Frailty

Steadily rising population ageing is a global demographic trend due to the advancement of new treatments and technologies in the medical field. This trend also indicates an increasing prevalence of age-associated diseases, such as loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), which tends to afflict the older population. The deterioration in muscle function can cause severe disability and seriously affects a patient's quality of life. Currently, there is no treatment to prevent and reverse age-related skeletal muscle ageing frailty. Existing interventions mainly slow down and control the signs and symptoms. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle (MSC-EV) therapy is a promising approach to attenuate age-related skeletal muscle ageing frailty. However, more studies, especially large-scale randomised clinical trials need to be done in order to determine the adequacy of MSC-EV therapy in treating age-related skeletal muscle ageing frailty. This review compiles the present knowledge of the causes and changes regarding skeletal muscle ageing frailty and the potential of MSC-EV transplantation as a regenerative therapy for age-related skeletal muscle ageing frailty and its clinical trials.

The biodistribution of placental and fetal extracellular vesicles during pregnancy following placentation

Human pregnancy is a highly orchestrated process requiring extensive cross-talk between the mother and the fetus. Extracellular vesicles released by the fetal tissue, particularly the placenta, are recognized as important mediators of this process. More recently, the importance of placental extracellular vesicle biodistribution studies in animal models has received increasing attention as identifying the organs to which extracellular vesicles are targeted to helps us understand more about this communication system. Placental extracellular vesicles are categorized based on their size into macro-, large-, and small-extracellular vesicles, and their biodistribution is dependent on the extracellular vesicle's particle size, the direction of blood flow, the recirculation of blood, as well as the retention capacity in organs. Macro-extracellular vesicles are exclusively localized to the lungs, while large- and small-extracellular vesicles show high levels of distribution to the lungs and liver, while there is inconsistency in the reporting of distribution to the spleen and kidneys. This inconsistency may be due to the differences in the methodologies employed between studies and their limitations. Future studies should incorporate analysis of placental extracellular vesicle biodistribution at the macroscopic level on whole animals and organs/tissues, as well as the microscopic cellular level.

Visualization of cardiac uptake of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles after intramyocardial or intravenous injection in murine myocardial infarction

In animal models, human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EV) have been found to have beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease, but only when administered via intramyocardial injection. The biodistribution of either intravenous or intramyocardial injection of MSC-EV in the presence of myocardial injury is uncharacterized at this time. We hypothesized that intramyocardial injection will ensure delivery of MSC-EV to the ischemic myocardium, while intravenous injection will not. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured and the MSC-EV were isolated and characterized. The MSC-EVs were then labeled with DiD lipid dye. FVB mice with normal cardiac function underwent left coronary artery ligation followed by either peri-infarct intramyocardial or tail vein injection of 3*106 or 2*109 particles of DiD-labeled MSC-EV or a DiD-saline control. The heart, lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys were harvested 2 h post-injection and were submitted for fluorescent molecular tomography imaging. Myocardial uptake of MSC-EV was only visualized after intramyocardial injection of 2*109 MSC-EV particles (p = 0.01) compared to control, and there were no differences in cardiac fluorescence after tail vein injection of MSC-EV (p = 0.5). There was no significantly detectable MSC-EV uptake in other organs after intramyocardial injection. After tail vein injection of 2*109 particles of MSC-EV, the liver (p = 0.02) and spleen (p = 0.04) appeared to have diffuse MSC-EV uptake compared to controls. Even in the presence of myocardial injury, only intramyocardial but not intravenous administration resulted in detectable levels of MSC-EV in the ischemic myocardium. This study confirms the role for intramyocardial injection in maximal and effective delivery of MSC-EV. Our ongoing studies aimed at developing bioengineered MSC-EV for targeted delivery to the heart may render MSC-EV clinically applicable for cardiovascular disease.

Angiopep-2 Modified Exosomes Load Rifampicin with Potential for Treating Central Nervous System Tuberculosis

Background

Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB) is the most devastating form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Rifampin (RIF) is a first-line antimicrobial agent with potent bactericidal action. Nonetheless, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the therapeutic effects on CNS-TB. Exosomes, however, can facilitate drug movements across the BBB. In addition, exosomes show high biocompatibility and drug-loading capacity. They can also be modified to increase drug delivery efficacy. In this study, we loaded RIF into exosomes and modified the exosomes with a brain-targeting peptide to improve BBB permeability of RIF; we named these exosomes ANG-Exo-RIF.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated from the culture medium of BMSCs by differential ultracentrifugation and loaded RIF by electroporation and modified ANG by chemical reaction. To characterize ANG-Exo-RIF, Western blot (WB), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed. Bend.3 cells were incubated with DiI labeled ANG-Exo-RIF and then fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the targeting ability of ANG-Exo-RIF in vitro. Fluorescence imaging and frozen section were used to evaluate the targeting ability of ANG-Exo-RIF in vivo. MIC and MBC were determined through microplate alamar blue assay (MABA).

Results

A novel exosome-based nanoparticle was developed. Compared with untargeted exosomes, the targeted exosomes exhibited high targeting capacity and permeability in vitro and in vivo. The MIC and MBC of ANG-Exo-RIF were 0.25 μg/mL, which were sufficient to meet the clinical needs.

Conclusion

In summary, excellent targeting ability, high antitubercular activity and biocompatibility endow ANG-Exo-RIF with potential for use in future translation-aimed research and provide hope for an effective CNS-TB treatment.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: New Soldiers in the War on Immune-Mediated Diseases

Inflammatory diseases are a group of debilitating disorders with varying degrees of long-lasting functional impairment of targeted system. New therapeutic agents that will attenuate on-going inflammation and, at the same time, promote regeneration of injured organ are urgently needed for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. During the last decade numerous studies have demonstrated that crucial therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in inflammatory diseases are based on the effects of MSC-produced paracrine mediators and not on the activity of engrafted cells themselves. Thus, to overcome the limitations of stem cell transplantation, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been rigorously investigated, as a promising cell-free pharmaceutical component. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of MSC-EV covering the current knowledge on their potential therapeutic applications for immune-mediated diseases.

Tracking of Extracellular Vesicles' Biodistribution: New Methods and Approaches

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized lipid bilayer vesicles that are released by almost all cell types. They range in diameter from 30 nm to several micrometres and have the ability to carry biologically active molecules such as proteins, lipids, RNA, and DNA. EVs are natural vectors and play an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. The amount and composition of EVs in human biological fluids serve as biomarkers and are used for diagnosing diseases and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. EVs are promising for use as therapeutic agents and as natural vectors for drug delivery. However, the successful use of EVs in clinical practice requires an understanding of their biodistribution in an organism. Numerous studies conducted so far on the biodistribution of EVs show that, after intravenous administration, EVs are mostly localized in organs rich in blood vessels and organs associated with the reticuloendothelial system, such as the liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys. In order to improve resolution, new dyes and labels are being developed and detection methods are being optimized. In this work, we review all available modern methods and approaches used to assess the biodistribution of EVs, as well as discuss their advantages and limitations.

Current Status of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells for Treatment of Neurological Diseases

Neurological disorders include a wide spectrum of clinical conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. For these conditions, which affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, generally limited or no treatments are available, and cell-based therapies have been intensively investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Among the available cell types, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been widely studied but as yet no cell-based treatment exists for neurological disease. We review current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of MSC-based therapies for neurological diseases, as well as possible mechanisms of action that may be explored to hasten the development of new and effective treatments. We also discuss the challenges for culture conditions, quality control, and the development of potency tests, aiming to generate more efficient cell therapy products for neurological disorders.

Biodistribution of Intra-Arterial and Intravenous Delivery of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in a Rat Model to Guide Delivery Strategies for Diabetes Therapies

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (UC-MSC-EVs) have become an emerging strategy for treating various autoimmune and metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes. Delivery of UC-MSC-EVs is essential to ensure optimal efficacy of UC-MSC-EVs. To develop safe and superior EVs-based delivery strategies, we explored nuclear techniques including positron emission tomography (PET) to evaluate the delivery of UC-MSC-EVs in vivo. In this study, human UC-MSC-EVs were first successfully tagged with I-124 to permit PET determination. Intravenous (I.V.) and intra-arterial (I.A.) administration routes of [124I]I-UC-MSC-EVs were compared and evaluated by in vivo PET-CT imaging and ex vivo biodistribution in a non-diabetic Lewis (LEW) rat model. For I.A. administration, [124I]I-UC-MSC-EVs were directly infused into the pancreatic parenchyma via the celiac artery. PET imaging revealed that the predominant uptake occurred in the liver for both injection routes, and further imaging characterized clearance patterns of [124I]I-UC-MSC-EVs. For biodistribution, the uptake (%ID/gram) in the spleen was significantly higher for I.V. administration compared to I.A. administration (1.95 ± 0.03 and 0.43 ± 0.07, respectively). Importantly, the pancreas displayed similar uptake levels between the two modalities (0.20 ± 0.06 for I.V. and 0.24 ± 0.03 for I.A.). Therefore, our initial data revealed that both routes had similar delivery efficiency for [124I]I-UC-MSC-EVs except in the spleen and liver, considering that higher spleen uptake could enhance immunomodulatory application of UC-MSC-EVs. These findings could guide the development of safe and efficacious delivery strategies for UC-MSC-EVs in diabetes therapies, in which a minimally invasive I.V. approach would serve as a better delivery strategy. Further confirmation studies are ongoing.

Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells alleviate neuroinflammation and mechanical allodynia in interstitial cystitis rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Background

Neuroinflammation in spinal dorsal horn (SDH) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) exert potent anti-inflammatory activities in the treatment of various diseases. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of MSC-EVs on IC and furtherly investigate the potential mechanism to attenuate neuroinflammation.

Methods

Female IC rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg, every 3 days for 3 doses). Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome was performed by intraperitoneal injection of MCC950 (10 mg/kg). MSC-EVs were isolated from the culture supernatants of human umbilical cord derived MSCs using ultracentrifugation, and then injected intrathecally into IC rats (20 μg in 10 μl PBS, every other day for 3 doses). Suprapubic mechanical allodynia was assessed using up-down method with von Frey filaments, and micturition frequency was examined by urodynamics. The expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3 and Caspase-1), glial cell markers (IBA-1 and GFAP), proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18) and TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway (TLR4, p65 NK-κB and phospho-p65 NK-κB) in L6–S1 SDH was measured by Western blot analysis. The cellular localization of NLRP3 in SDH was detected using immunofluorescence co-staining.

Results

NLRP3 inflammasome was activated in neurons in SDH of IC rats. NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributed to activation of glial cells and process of spinal neuroinflammation in IC rats, and was related to suprapubic mechanical allodynia and frequent micturition. Intrathecal injection of MSC-EVs alleviated suprapubic mechanical allodynia and frequent micturition in IC rats, restrained activation of glial cells and attenuated neuroinflammation in SDH. In addition, MSC-EV treatment significantly inhibited activation of both NLRP3 inflammasomes and TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway.

Conclusions

NLRP3 inflammasome activation is involved in the neuroinflammation of IC. Intrathecal injection of MSC-EVs alleviates neuroinflammation and mechanical allodynia in IC by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway may be the potential regulatory target.

Mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles mitigate vascular permeability and injury in the small intestine and lung in a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock and trauma

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhagic shock and trauma (HS/T)-induced gut injury may play a critical role in the development of multi-organ failure. Novel therapies that target gut injury and vascular permeability early after HS/T could have substantial impacts on trauma patients. In this study, we investigate the therapeutic potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC EVs) in vivo in HS/T in mice and in vitro in Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cells.

METHODS

In vivo, using a mouse model of HS/T, vascular permeability to a 10-kDa dextran dye and histopathologic injury in the small intestine and lungs were measured among mice. Groups were (1) sham, (2) HS/T + lactated Ringer's (LR), (3) HS/T + MSCs, and (4) HS/T + MSC EVs. In vitro, Caco-2 cell monolayer integrity was evaluated by an epithelial cell impedance assay. Caco-2 cells were pretreated with control media, MSC conditioned media (CM), or MSC EVs, then challenged with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

RESULTS

In vivo, both MSCs and MSC EVs significantly reduced vascular permeability in the small intestine (fluorescence units: sham, 456 ± 88; LR, 1067 ± 295; MSC, 765 ± 258; MSC EV, 715 ± 200) and lung (sham, 297 ± 155; LR, 791 ± 331; MSC, 331 ± 172; MSC EV, 303 ± 88). Histopathologic injury in the small intestine and lung was also attenuated by MSCs and MSC EVs. In vitro, MSC CM but not MSC EVs attenuated the increased permeability among Caco-2 cell monolayers challenged with H2O2.

CONCLUSION

Mesenchymal stem cell EVs recapitulate the effects of MSCs in reducing vascular permeability and injury in the small intestine and lungs in vivo, suggesting MSC EVs may be a potential cell-free therapy targeting multi-organ dysfunction in HS/T. This is the first study to demonstrate that MSC EVs improve both gut and lung injury in an animal model of HS/T.

Assessment of Surface Glycan Diversity on Extracellular Vesicles by Lectin Microarray and Glycoengineering Strategies for Drug Delivery Applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by all types of mammalian cells for cell-cell communication. In this study, surface glycans on EVs are compared in terms of their cell type, size, and isolation method to examine whether EV glycan profiles by lectin microarray can be used to define EV subpopulations. Moreover, EVs are glycoengineered with four distinctive surface glycan patterns and evaluated their cellular uptake efficiencies for potential drug delivery applications. Both similarities and differences in glycan patterns are identified on EVs obtained under each experimental condition. EV size- and isolation method-dependent lectin-binding patterns are observed. Moreover, cellular uptake behaviors of EVs are affected by EV glycan profiles and acceptor cells. The in vivo biodistribution of EVs is also dependent on their glycan profile. These results suggest that EV surface glycans are a potential novel indicator of EV heterogeneity, and glycoengineering is a useful approach to regulate cell-EV interactions for biomedical applications.

Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle therapy for acute brain insults and neurodegenerative diseases

Stem cell-based therapy is a promising approach for treating a variety of disorders, including acute brain insults and neurodegenerative diseases. Stem cells such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), circular membrane fragments (30 nm−1 μm) that are shed from the cell surface, carrying several therapeutic molecules such as proteins and microRNAs. Because EV-based therapy is superior to cell therapy in terms of scalable production, biodistribution, and safety profiles, it can be used to treat brain diseases as an alternative to stem cell therapy. This review presents evidences evaluating the role of stem cell-derived EVs in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’ disease. In addition, stem cell-derived EVs have better profiles in biocompatibility, immunogenicity, and safety than those of small chemical and macromolecules. The advantages and disadvantages of EVs compared with other strategies are discussed. Even though EVs obtained from native stem cells have potential in the treatment of brain diseases, the successful clinical application is limited by the short half-life, limited targeting, rapid clearance after application, and insufficient payload. We discuss the strategies to enhance the efficacy of EV therapeutics. Finally, EV therapies have yet to be approved by the regulatory authorities. Major issues are discussed together with relevant advances in the clinical application of EV therapeutics.

The anti-inflammatory effects of equine bone marrow stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles on autologous chondrocytes

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) in the horse is an economic and welfare issue and there are no current disease modifying drugs available. Stem cells have been suggested as a therapeutic intervention for OA, originally on the basis of their regenerative capacity. However, it is hypothesised that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) exert their effects via paracrine factors including the production of extracellular vesicles that can themselves recapitulate the MSC effects in the joint.

OBJECTIVES

To isolate extracellular vesicles from bone marrow MSC and investigate their anti-inflammatory effects on chondrocytes.

STUDY DESIGN

An in vitro assessment of the effect of direct culturing extracellular vesicles on artificially inflamed chondrocytes.

METHODS

Extracellular vesicles were isolated from bone marrow MSC using differential sequential ultracentrifugation. Vesicles were characterised using electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracing analysis and protein analysis. Vesicle internalisation was carried out via vesicles being pre-stained and co-cultured with equine chondrocytes before analysis using confocal microscopy. The effects of vesicles on artificially inflamed chondrocytes was examined using quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to isolate and characterise extracellular vesicles from equine bone MSC. Vesicles were taken up by autologous chondrocytes and had anti-inflammatory effects on gene expression following chondrocyte exposure to tumour necrosis factor α and Interleukin 1β.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Only three independent biological repeats were performed and the work was done in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Extracellular vesicles can be isolated from equine bone marrow MSC; they may be taken up by chondrocytes and have an anti-inflammatory action.

Extracellular vesicles for tissue repair and regeneration: Evidence, challenges and opportunities

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are biological nanoparticles naturally secreted by cells, acting as delivery vehicles for molecular messages. During the last decade, EVs have been assigned multiple functions that have established their potential as therapeutic mediators for a variety of diseases and conditions. In this review paper, we report on the potential of EVs in tissue repair and regeneration. The regenerative properties that have been associated with EVs are explored, detailing the molecular cargo they carry that is capable of mediating such effects, the signaling cascades triggered in target cells and the functional outcome achieved. EV interactions and biodistribution in vivo that influence their regenerative effects are also described, particularly upon administration in combination with biomaterials. Finally, we review the progress that has been made for the successful implementation of EV regenerative therapies in a clinical setting.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate Alzheimer's disease-like phenotypes in a preclinical mouse model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 44 million people worldwide. Despite the high disease burden, there is no effective treatment for people suffering from AD. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that have been widely studied due to their therapeutic potential. However, administration of cells has been found to have a multitude of limitations. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from MSCs have been studied as a therapeutic candidate, as they exhibit similar immunoprotective and immunomodulatory abilities as the host human MSCs. Methods: To test the potential therapeutic effects of MSC EVs, human bone-marrow derived MSCs were grown in three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, and small EVs were harvested using differential ultracentrifugation. These small EVs were given to non-transgenic (NT) or 5XFAD (5 familial Alzheimer's disease mutations) mice intranasally (IN) every 4 days for 4 months. The mice were then required to perform a variety of behavioral assays to measure changes in learning and memory. Afterwards, immunohistochemistry was performed on brain slices to measure amyloid beta (Aβ) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels. Results: The data revealed that 5XFAD mice that received hMSC-EV treatment behaved significantly better in cognitive tests than saline treated 5XFAD mice, with no significant change between EV-treated 5XFAD mice and NT mice. Additionally, we found lower Aβ plaque load in the hippocampus of the EV-treated mice. Finally, less colocalization between GFAP and Aβ plaques was found in the brain of EV-treated mice compared to saline. Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggest that IN administration of MSC-derived EVs can slow down AD pathogenesis.

Extracellular Vesicles and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging

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Extracellular Vesicles for the Treatment of Radiation Injuries

Normal tissue injury from accidental or therapeutic exposure to high-dose radiation can cause severe acute and delayed toxicities, which result in mortality and chronic morbidity. Exposure to single high-dose radiation leads to a multi-organ failure, known as acute radiation syndrome, which is caused by radiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage to tissue stem cells. The radiation exposure results in acute cell loss, cell cycle arrest, senescence, and early damage to bone marrow and intestine with high mortality from sepsis. There is an urgent need for developing medical countermeasures against radiation injury for normal tissue toxicity. In this review, we discuss the potential of applying secretory extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal/stem cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages for promoting repair and regeneration of organs after radiation injury.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the failing heart: past, present, and future

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. Current treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical intervention. However, many patients are unsuitable candidates for surgeries due to comorbidities, diffuse coronary artery disease, or advanced stages of heart failure. The search for new treatment options has recently transitioned from cell-based therapies to stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). A number of challenges remain in the EV field, including the effect of comorbidities, characterization, and delivery. However, recent revolutionary developments and insight into the potential of personalizing EV contents by bioengineering methods to alter specific signaling pathways in the ischemic myocardium hold promise. Here, we discuss the past limitations of cell-based therapies and recent EV studies involving in vivo, in vitro, and omics, and future challenges and opportunities in EV-based treatments in CVD.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-based therapy: mechanism, systemic safety and biodistribution for precision clinical applications

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising resource for cell-based therapy because of their high immunomodulation ability, tropism towards inflamed and injured tissues, and their easy access and isolation. Currently, there are more than 1200 registered MSC clinical trials globally. However, a lack of standardized methods to characterize cell safety, efficacy, and biodistribution dramatically hinders the progress of MSC utility in clinical practice. In this review, we summarize the current state of MSC-based cell therapy, focusing on the systemic safety and biodistribution of MSCs. MSC-associated risks of tumor initiation and promotion and the underlying mechanisms of these risks are discussed. In addition, MSC biodistribution methodology and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cell therapies are addressed. Better understanding of the systemic safety and biodistribution of MSCs will facilitate future clinical applications of precision medicine using stem cells.

The Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Neuroblastoma Therapy for Delivery of Anti-Cancer Agents and Hematopoietic Recovery

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common pediatric cancers and a major cause of cancer-related death in infancy. Conventional therapies including high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy approach a limit in the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma and prevention of relapse. In the last two decades, research unraveled a potential use of mesenchymal stromal cells in tumor therapy, as tumor-selective delivery vehicles for therapeutic compounds and oncolytic viruses and by means of supporting hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Based on pre-clinical and clinical advances in neuroblastoma and other malignancies, we assess both the strong potential and the associated risks of using mesenchymal stromal cells in the therapy for neuroblastoma. Furthermore, we examine feasibility and safety aspects and discuss future directions for harnessing the advantageous properties of mesenchymal stromal cells for the advancement of therapy success.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Regenerative Potential and Challenges

Evidence suggests that stem cells exert regenerative potential via the release of extracellular vesicles. Mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles (MSCEVs) offer therapeutic benefits for various pathophysiological ailments by restoring tissues. Facts suggest that MSCEV action can be potentiated by modifying the mesenchymal stem cells culturing methodology and bioengineering EVs. Limited clinical trials of MSCEVs have questioned their superiority, culturing quality, production scale-up and isolation, and administration format. Translation of preclinically successful MSCEVs into a clinical platform requires paying attention to several critical matters, such as the production technique, quantification/characterization, pharmacokinetics/targeting/transfer to the target site, and the safety profile. Keeping these issues as a priority, the present review was designed to highlight the challenges in translating preclinical MSCEV research into clinical platforms and provide evidence for the regenerative potential of MSCEVs in various conditions of the liver, kidney, heart, nervous system, bone, muscle, cartilage, and other organs/tissues.

Muscle functional recovery is driven by extracellular vesicles combined with muscle extracellular matrix in a volumetric muscle loss murine model

Biological scaffolds derived from decellularized tissues are being investigated as a promising approach to repair volumetric muscle losses (VML). Indeed, extracellular matrix (ECM) from decellularized tissues is highly biocompatible and mimics the original tissue. However, the development of fibrosis and the muscle stiffness still represents a major problem. Intercellular signals mediating tissue repair are conveyed via extracellular vesicles (EVs), biologically active nanoparticles secreted by the cells. This work aimed at using muscle ECM and human EVs derived from Wharton Jelly mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC EVs) to boost tissue regeneration in a VML murine model. Mice transplanted with muscle ECM and treated with PBS or MSC EVs were analyzed after 7 and 30 days. Flow cytometry, tissue analysis, qRT-PCR and physiology test were performed. We demonstrated that angiogenesis and myogenesis were enhanced while fibrosis was reduced after EV treatment. Moreover, the inflammation was directed toward tissue repair. M2-like, pro-regenerative macrophages were significantly increased in the MSC EVs treated group compared to control. Strikingly, the histological improvements were associated with enhanced functional recovery. These results suggest that human MSC EVs can be a naturally-derived boost able to ameliorate the efficacy of tissue-specific ECM in muscle regeneration up to the restored tissue function.

Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells: A platform that can be engineered

Mesenchymal stem cells play an important role in tissue damage and repair. This role is mainly due to a paracrine mechanism, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an important part of the paracrine function. EVs play a vital role in many aspects of cell homeostasis, physiology, and pathology, and EVs can be used as clinical biomarkers, vaccines, or drug delivery vehicles. A large number of studies have shown that EVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-EVs) play an important role in the treatment of various diseases. However, the problems of low production, low retention rate, and poor targeting of MSC-EVs are obstacles to current clinical applications. The engineering transformation of MSC-EVs can make up for those shortcomings, thereby improving treatment efficiency. This review summarizes the latest research progress of MSC-EV direct and indirect engineering transformation from the aspects of improving MSC-EV retention rate, yield, targeting, and MSC-EV visualization research, and proposes some feasible MSC-EV engineering methods of transformation.

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.

Challenges in Biomaterial-Based Drug Delivery Approach for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Opportunities for Extracellular Vesicles

Biomaterials have been the subject of numerous studies to pursue potential therapeutic interventions for a wide variety of disorders and diseases. The physical and chemical properties of various materials have been explored to develop natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic materials with distinct advantages for use as drug delivery systems for the central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS diseases. In this review, an overview of popular biomaterials as drug delivery systems for neurogenerative diseases is provided, balancing the potential and challenges associated with the CNS drug delivery. As an effective drug delivery system, desired properties of biomaterials are discussed, addressing the persistent challenges such as targeted drug delivery, stimuli responsiveness, and controlled drug release in vivo. Finally, we discuss the prospects and limitations of incorporating extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a drug delivery system and their use for biocompatible, stable, and targeted delivery with limited immunogenicity, as well as their ability to be delivered via a non-invasive approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Functional assays to assess the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles

An important aspect in the development of extracellular vesicle (EV) therapeutics is identifying and quantifying the key features defining their identity, purity, sterility, potency and stability to ensure batch-to-batch reproducibility of their therapeutic efficacy. Apart from EV-inherent features, therapeutic efficacy depends on a variety of additional parameters, like dosing, frequency of application, and administration route, some of which can be addressed only in clinical trials. Before initiating clinical trials, EV-inherent features should be tested in well-standardized quantitative assays in vitro or in appropriate animal models in vivo. Ideally, such assays would predict if a particular EV preparation has the potential to achieve its intended therapeutic effects, and could be further developed into formal potency assays as published by the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guidelines. Furthermore, such assays should facilitate the comparison of EV preparations produced in different batches, on different manufacturing platforms or deriving from different cell sources. For now, a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo assays has been used to interrogate the therapeutic functions of EVs. However, many cannot accurately predict therapeutic potential. Indeed, several unique challenges make it difficult to set up reliable assays to assess the therapeutic potential of EVs, and to develop such assays into formal potency tests. Here, we discuss challenges and opportunities around in vitro and in vivo testing of EV therapeutic potential, including the need for harmonization, establishment of formal potency assays and novel developments for functional testing.

Improving hematopoietic engraftment: Potential role of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles

The therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in graft failure or poor graft function after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. MSCs exert their functions, at least partially, through the secretion of extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs). The available information on the biological potential of MSC-EVs to improve hematopoietic function, both in in vitro studies and in reported preclinical models, focusing on the possible mechanisms of these effects are summarized in the current review. The potential advantages of EVs over MSCs are also discussed, as well as the limitations and uncertainties in terms of isolation, characterization, mechanism of action in this setting, and industrial scalability that should be addressed for their potential clinical application.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles alter disease outcomes via endorsement of macrophage polarization

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stromal cells that reside in virtually all postnatal tissues. Due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory capacities, MSCs have attracted growing attention during the past two decades. MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are able to duplicate the effects of their parental cells by transferring functional proteins and genetic materials to recipient cells without cell-to-cell contact. MSC-EVs also target macrophages, which play an essential role in innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that MSC-EVs reduce M1 polarization and/or promote M2 polarization in a variety of settings. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of macrophage polarization and roles of MSC-EV-induced macrophage polarization in the outcomes of cardiovascular, pulmonary, digestive, renal, and central nervous system diseases. In conclusion, MSC-EVs may become a viable alternative to MSCs for the treatment of diseases in which inflammation and immunity play a critical role.

Cutaneous Radiation Injuries: Models, Assessment and Treatments

Many cases of human exposures to high-dose radiation have been documented, including individuals exposed during the detonation of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear power plant disasters (e.g., Chernobyl), as well as industrial and medical accidents. For many of these exposures, injuries to the skin have been present and have played a significant role in the progression of the injuries and survivability from the radiation exposure. There are also instances of radiation-induced skin complications in routine clinical radiotherapy and radiation diagnostic imaging procedures. In response to the threat of a radiological or nuclear mass casualty incident, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tasked the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) with identifying and funding early- to mid-stage medical countermeasure (MCM) development to treat radiation-induced injuries, including those to the skin. To appropriately assess the severity of radiation-induced skin injuries and determine efficacy of different approaches to mitigate/treat them, it is necessary to develop animal models that appropriately simulate what is seen in humans who have been exposed. In addition, it is important to understand the techniques that are used in other clinical indications (e.g., thermal burns, diabetic ulcers, etc.) to accurately assess the extent of skin injury and progression of healing. For these reasons, the NIAID partnered with two other U.S. Government funding and regulatory agencies, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to identify state-of-the-art methods in assessment of skin injuries, explore animal models to better understand radiation-induced cutaneous damage and investigate treatment approaches. A two-day workshop was convened in May 2019 highlighting talks from 28 subject matter experts across five scientific sessions. This report provides an overview of information that was presented and the subsequent guided discussions.

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in tissue repair: challenges and opportunities

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are important players in tissue homeostasis and regeneration owing to their immunomodulatory potential and release of trophic factors that promote healing. They have been increasingly used in clinical trials to treat multiple conditions associated with inflammation and tissue damage such as graft versus host disease, orthopedic injuries and cardiac and liver diseases. Recent evidence demonstrates that their beneficial effects are derived, at least in part, from their secretome. In particular, data from animal models and first-in-man studies indicate that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) can exert similar therapeutic potential as their cells of origin. MSC-EVs are membranous structures loaded with proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, which play an important role in cell-cell communication and may represent an attractive alternative for cell-based therapy. In this article we summarize recent advances in the use of MSC-EVs for tissue repair. We highlight several isolation and characterization approaches used to enrich MSC-derived EVs. We discuss our current understanding of the relative contribution of the MSC-EVs to the immunomodulatory and regenerative effects mediated by MSCs and MSC secretome. Finally we highlight the challenges and opportunities, which come with the potential use of MSC-EVs as cell free therapy for conditions that require tissue repair.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Challenges in Clinical Applications

Stem cell therapy has garnered much attention and application in the past decades for the treatment of diseases and injuries. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are studied most extensively for their therapeutic roles, which appear to be derived from their paracrine activity. Recent studies suggest a critical therapeutic role for extracellular vesicles (EV) secreted by MSCs. EV are nano-sized membrane-bound vesicles that shuttle important biomolecules between cells to maintain physiological homeostasis. Studies show that EV from MSCs (MSC-EV) have regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. The use of MSC-EV, as an alternative to MSCs, confers several advantages, such as higher safety profile, lower immunogenicity, and the ability to cross biological barriers, and avoids complications that arise from stem cell-induced ectopic tumor formation, entrapment in lung microvasculature, and immune rejection. These advantages and the growing body of evidence suggesting that MSC-EV display therapeutic roles contribute to the strong rationale for developing EV as an alternative therapeutic option. Despite the success in preclinical studies, use of MSC-EV in clinical settings will require careful consideration; specifically, several critical issues such as (i) production methods, (ii) quantification and characterization, (iii) pharmacokinetics, targeting and transfer to the target sites, and (iv) safety profile assessments need to be resolved. Keeping these issues in mind, the aim of this mini-review is to shed light on the challenges faced in MSC-EV research in translating successful preclinical studies to clinical platforms.