Engineering Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Diseases

📖 Top 20% JournalDec 3, 2025Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Using Modified Stem Cell Particles to Treat Long-Term Kidney Disease

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Regenerative Health on OpenScience ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) are identified as novel natural carriers for targeted gene or drug delivery.

MSC-Exos may replicate the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells by delivering genetic materials and proteins to target cells.
They are associated with biocompatibility and intrinsic targeting capabilities, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy.
Embedding exosomes in hydrogels could enhance their biological activity and enable controlled release in diseased tissues.
The roles of MSC-Exos in chronic kidney disease (CKD) pathophysiology and their renoprotective effects are highlighted.
Hydrogel biomaterials may present a promising approach for integrating exosomes to enhance therapeutic outcomes in CKD.

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BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder that leads to significant structural and functional changes in the kidneys, posing a major global health concern and contributing to high mortality rates.

METHODS: The urgent need for innovative treatments is evident. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well-regarded in regenerative medicine for their ability to repair tissue and modulate immune responses. Emerging research indicates that the therapeutic benefits of MSCs are largely mediated by the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes (MSC-Exos), which replicate the effects of MSCs by delivering genetic materials and proteins to target cells.

RESULTS: MSC-Exos are novel natural carriers for targeted gene or drug delivery, offering biocompatibility, intrinsic targeting capabilities, and bioactive cargo to modulate recipient cells. They represent a groundbreaking platform for precision medicine, enhancing therapeutic efficacy with minimal immunogenicity and off-target effects. Moreover, embedding exosomes within hydrogels has emerged as a promising strategy to maintain their biological activity and enable a controlled release.

CONCLUSION: This review explores the roles of MSC-Exos in CKD pathophysiology, highlights the renoprotective effects of MSC-Exos for various sources, and provides a comprehensive overview of how hydrogel biomaterials present a promising approach for integrating exosomes to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The use of hydrogels to encapsulate exosomes improves their sustained release and stability in diseased kidney tissues, providing an innovative strategy to enhance precision therapies.

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