The role of mesenchymal stem cell‑derived exosomes in asthma (Review)

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by persistent inflammation, airway hyper‑responsiveness and remodeling, leading to notable morbidity and decreased quality of life for patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potential in regenerative medicine due to their potent immunomodulatory properties and anti‑inflammatory effects. The therapeutic benefits of MSCs are largely mediated by secreted exosomes that facilitate intercellular communication by transferring bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids and microRNAs. The present review explores the therapeutic potential of MSC‑derived exosomes in asthma, highlighting their ability to modulate key pathological mechanisms underlying the disease.

Keywords: asthma; exosome; mesenchymal stem cells; microRNA; therapy.

Figure 1.

Biogenesis and delivery of exosomes. Early endosomes are produced when the parent cell undergoes endocytosis. It then experiences the second invagination of the plasma membrane, leading to the formation of ILVs. The endosomes that contain ILVs are referred to as MVBs. MVBs fuse with the plasma membrane, releasing the ILVs as exosomes, which are packed with various molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins and lipids. ER, endoplasmic reticulum; ILV, intraluminal vesicle; MVB, multivesicular body.

Figure 2.

Role of MSC-derived exosomes in asthma. MSC-derived exosomes regulate the immune response, alleviate airway inflammation and improve airway remodeling by acting on key cells, such as T lymphocytes, macrophages, AECs and ASMCs. They regulate the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by influencing signaling pathways, such as JAK2/STAT3, JARID2/Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β1/Smad2/3. AEC, airway epithelial cell; ASMC, airway smooth muscle cell; α-SMA, α-smooth muscle actin; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; FGF2, fibroblast growth factor 2; GSDMD, gasdermin D; ILC2, group 2 innate lymphoid cell; IL, interleukin; JARID2, Jumonji, AT-rich interaction domain containing 2; MSC, mesenchymal stem cell; miR, microRNA; STAT3, signal transduction and activator of transcription 3; TGF-β, transforming growth factor-β; Th, T helper; Treg, regulatory T cell; PPAR, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ; PAI-2, plasminogen activator inhibitor-2.