Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Exosomes in Skin Regeneration and Chronic Cutaneous Wound Therapy: A Review

Authors
1 1Applied Cell Sciences Division, Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Applied Cell Sciences Division, Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranDepartment of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Applied Cell Sciences Division, Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Skin wound healing is a highly intricate biological process that encompasses multiple stages and involves coordinated interactions among growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and diverse cell types. Impaired wound healing may result in chronic wounds, which causing pain, disfigurement, and a heavy burden on patients and healthcare. Traditional wound care involves removing damaged or infected tissue, followed by the application of dressings and topical agents to protect and promote healing. Conventional methods also include nonsurgical treatments and pharmacological therapies. Regenerative medicine aims to restore function by repairing or replacing cells, tissues, and organs. Stem cells possess remarkable regenerative potential; however, their clinical use is hindered by the limited survival of transplanted cells. Additionally, factors such as determining the proper cell source, route of administration, and preparation of stem cells under accurate clinical conditions have led to the application of cell therapies for wound healing. It is important to note that the challenges posed by host immunological responses in cell therapy, which have attracted significant attention in recent years, are being effectively addressed through cell-free therapy, paving the way for more successful treatment. Exosomes, as the most significant cell-free therapy, based on their endogenous, biocompatible, and multifunctional properties, have become a new tool for drug delivery systems, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine.

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