The Mechanisms Underlying the Beneficial Effects of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Repairing Ischemic Tissue Injury

J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2022 Jun;15(3):524-534. doi: 10.1007/s12265-022-10263-8. Epub 2022 Apr 28.

Abstract

Ischemic diseases are life-threatening, and the incidence increases as people's lifestyles change. Medications and surgical intervention offer limited benefit, and stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential approach for treating ischemic diseases. The exosomes secreted by stem cells have attracted more attention because they do not trigger the immune response and can be used as drug carriers. The non-coding RNA (ncRNA) carried by exosomes plays a key role in mediating exosome's beneficial effect, which can be further enhanced when combined with nanomaterials to improve its retention time. Here, we review the downstream target molecules and signal pathways of ncRNA and summarize recent advances of some nanomaterials used to encapsulate exosomes and promote ischemic tissue repair. We highlight the imprinting of exosomes from parent cells and discuss how the inflammasome pathway may be targeted for the development of novel therapy for ischemic diseases.

Keywords: Exosome; Inflammasome; Ischemic diseases; Nanomaterial; ncRNA.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / metabolism
  • Ischemia / surgery
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cell Transplantation