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Unlocking the Potential of Extracellular Vesicles as the Next Generation Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Aims and scope

Abstract

Background:

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have undergone extensive investigation for their potential therapeutic applications, primarily attributed to their paracrine activity. Recently, researchers have been exploring the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by MSCs.

Methods:

MEDLINE/PubMed and Google scholar databases were used for the selection of literature. The keywords used were mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular vesicles, clinical application of EVs and challenges EVs production.

Results:

These EVs have demonstrated robust capabilities in transporting intracellular cargo, playing a critical role in facilitating cell-to-cell communication by carrying functional molecules, including proteins, RNA species, DNAs, and lipids. Utilizing EVs as an alternative to stem cells offers several benefits, such as improved safety, reduced immunogenicity, and the ability to traverse biological barriers. Consequently, EVs have emerged as an increasingly attractive option for clinical use.

Conclusion:

From this perspective, this review delves into the advantages and challenges associated with employing MSC–EVs in clinical settings, with a specific focus on their potential in treating conditions like lung diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia for the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) with Project Code FRGS/1/2019/STG03/USM/02/2.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lung Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT), SAINS@BERTAM, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia

    Syahidatulamali Che Shaffi, Omar Nafiis Hairuddin, Siti Farizan Mansor & Badrul Hisham Yahaya

  2. Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Kampus Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia

    Siti Farizan Mansor

  3. IIUM Molecular and Cellular Biology Research, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25100, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

    Tengku Muhamad Faris Syafiq

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Che Shaffi, S., Hairuddin, O.N., Mansor, S.F. et al. Unlocking the Potential of Extracellular Vesicles as the Next Generation Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities. Tissue Eng Regen Med (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13770-024-00634-4

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