Mesenchymal stem cell derived exosomes: A potential novel tool for cancer therapy

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) derived exosomes are phospholipid (cholesterol rich) vesicles having lipids, proteins, miRNAs, precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), mRNAs, etc. They can be used as ideal therapeutic candidates because they possess complex cargo of proteins and genetic material to participate in multiple biochemical and cellular processes. MSC derived exosomes have the potential to treat many diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes as well as neurodegenerative disorders. Since they are able to target tumors, they can act as a delivery vehicle to transport anti-cancer agents. Their biological activities are mainly enzyme driven; therefore, their effects are catalytic and non-stoichiometric. The molecular signatures of exosomes are different for each tissue type which makes them ideal for clinical applications. MSC derived exosomes can easily be produced in large amounts. They can be combined with chemotherapeutics, small molecules/natural compounds to enhance TRAIL sensitivity by inducing death receptor expression and, can also be loaded with drugs and genetic material to be delivered to cancer cells through uptake process. © 2017 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.