Modification of mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage-targeted therapy

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by the destruction of the articular cartilage, sclerosis of the subchondral bone, and joint dysfunction. Its pathogenesis is attributed to direct damage and mechanical destruction of joint tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), suggested as a potential strategy for the treatment of OA, have shown therapeutic effects on OA. However, the specific fate of MSCs after intraarticular injection, including cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and death, is still unclear, and there is no guarantee that stem cells can be retained in the cartilage tissue to enact repair. Direct homing of MSCs is an important determinant of the efficacy of MSC-based cartilage repair. Recent studies have revealed that the unique homing capacity of MSCs and targeted modification can improve their ability to promote tissue regeneration. Here, we comprehensively review the homing effect of stem cells in joints and highlight progress toward the targeted modification of MSCs. In the future, developments of this targeting system that accelerate tissue regeneration will benefit targeted tissue repair. Graphical Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells and their derived exosomes for the treatment of COVID-19

“…MSCs and MSCs-Exo have multiple roles in treating and repairing COVID-19-induced tissue damage, and there is a close relationship between the mechanisms of homing, immunomodulation, regenerative repair, and anti-fibrotic. The unique homing ability and targeted modifications of MSCs can enhance their ability to promote tissue regeneration[ 101 ]. When tissues and organs are damaged, MSCs sense and respond to signaling molecules released from damaged tissues, migrate to these damaged areas, and activate the immune system.…”

Bioadhesive and Injectable Hydrogels and Their Correlation with Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation for Cartilage Repair: A Mini-Review

“…Similarly, the stratified ultrastructure and spatial organization of native hyaline cartilage disappear [79]. At the same time, the most MSCs injected intra-articularly fail to attach to the damaged cartilage layer, and it is possible that they quickly spread into systemic circulation due to the rapid turnover of synovial capillaries and lymphatic vessels [80]. Consequently, for the optimization of clinical strategies in the domain of cell-based cartilage engineering, it becomes imperative to establish a conducive 3D microenvironment.…”

Potential of secretome of human fetal cartilage progenitor cells as disease modifying agent for osteoarthritis

“…However, stem cell therapies have many drawbacks such as the risk of tumorigenicity, genomic stability, and immunogenicity [8,9]. Moreover, it can hardly achieve long-term favorable effects in an OA joint from intra-articular injection owing to extensive cell death or cell loss from the lesion site, and most MSC fail to migrate towards the site of injury [10,11]. Besides, the process from manufacturing quali ed cells to maintaining their viability until delivery to patients is costly, which might place a considerable burden on sufferers [12].…”