Functional roles of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in ischemic stroke treatment

Abstract

Abstract: Stroke is a life-threatening disease and one of the leading causes of death and physical disability worldwide. Currently, no drugs on the market promote neural recovery after stroke insult, and spontaneous remodeling processes are limited to induce recovery in the ischemic regions. Therefore, promoting a cell-based therapy has been needed to elevate the endogenous recovery process. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been regarded as candidate cell sources for therapeutic purposes of ischemic stroke, and their therapeutic effects are mediated by exosomes. The microRNA cargo in these extracellular vesicles is mostly responsible for the positive effects. When it comes to the therapeutic viewpoint, MSCs-derived exosomes could be a promising therapeutic strategy against ischemic stroke. The aim of this review is to discuss the current knowledge around the potential of MSCs-derived exosomes in the treatment of ischemic stroke.