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Review
. 2021 Jan 19;12(1):71.
doi: 10.1186/s13287-021-02138-7.

Advances in mesenchymal stem cell exosomes: a review

Yaya Tang  1   2 , Yan Zhou  1 , Hong-Jun Li  3
Affiliations
Review

Advances in mesenchymal stem cell exosomes: a review

Yaya Tang et al. Stem Cell Res Ther. .

Abstract

Stem cells can be used for regenerative medicine and as treatments for disease. The application of tissue engineering-related transplantation, stem cells, and local changes in the microenvironment is expected to solve major medical problems. Currently, most studies focus on tissue repair and regeneration, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are among the most common research topics. MSCs are applicable as seed cells, and they represent one of the current hot topics in regenerative medicine research. However, due to storage limitations and because cell senescence occurs during in vitro expansion, their clinical application is challenging. Exosomes, which are secreted by MSCs through paracrine signalling, not only have the same effects as MSCs, but they also have the advantages of targeted delivery, low immunogenicity, and high repairability. This article reviews the acquisition methods, characteristics, biological functions, and clinical applications of exosomes.

Keywords: Acquisition methods; Biological characteristics; Biological function; Clinical application; Exosomes; Mesenchymal stem cells; Regenerative medicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Exosome biogenesis and secretion
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Three types of extracellular vesicles
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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