Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Cancer Therapy and Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract

Recently, stem cells and their secretomes have attracted great attention in biomedical applications, particularly extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are secretomes of cells for cell-tocell communication. They play a role as intercellular messengers as they carry proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and therapeutic agents. They have also been utilized as drug-delivery vehicles due to their biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, stability, targetability, and engineerable properties. The therapeutic potential of EVs can be further enhanced by surface engineering and modification using functional molecules such as aptamers, peptides, and antibodies. As a consequence, EVs hold great promise as effective delivery vehicles for enhancing treatment efficacy while avoiding side effects. Among various cell types that secrete EVs, stem cells are ideal sources of EVs because stem cells have unique properties such as self-renewal and regenerative potential for transplantation into damaged tissues that can facilitate their regeneration. However, challenges such as immune rejection and ethical considerations remain significant hurdles. Stem cell-derived EVs have been extensively explored as a cell-free approach that bypasses many challenges associated with cell-based therapy in cancer therapy and tissue regeneration. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge of various types of stem cells as a source of EVs, their engineering, and applications of EVs, focusing on cancer therapy and tissue engineering.

Cell–cell communication in stem cells and cancer: Alone but in touch

“…In this study, our focus is directed toward investigating induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells. While recognizing the breadth of stem cell diversity and their distinct potentials, the aim of this review centers on delving into the intricacies of cellular signaling pathways predominantly through the lens of iPSCs and ESCs due to their significance in both research and therapeutic applications [51,52]. Induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells are two stem cells with unique properties and potential applications in regenerative medicine.…”

Engineering Approaches for Exosome Cargo Loading and Targeted Delivery: Biological versus Chemical Perspectives

“…These processes link therapeutic molecules to the surface of exosomes, enhancing their targeting capabilities and enabling various applications such as imaging and tracking . Surface chemical modification of exosomes involves covalent bonding of targeting agents to amino groups present on the protein surface of exosomes, leading to changes in their physicochemical characteristics, including stability, biodistribution, and cellular uptake . Among the commonly used reactions are azide-alkyne cycloadditions, specifically strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloadditions (SPAAC), and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditions (CuAAC), both classified as click reactions.…”