Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Age-Related Diseases

Cell Prolif. 2025 May;58(5):e13795. doi: 10.1111/cpr.13795. Epub 2024 Dec 20.

Abstract

The global increase in the aging population has led to a concurrent rise in the incidence of age-related diseases, posing substantial challenges to healthcare systems and affecting the well-being of the elderly. Identifying and securing effective treatments has become an urgent priority. In this context, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) have emerged as a promising and innovative modality in the field of anti-aging medicine, offering a multifaceted therapeutic approach. MSC-Exos demonstrate significant potential due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, their ability to inhibit oxidative stress, and their reparative effects on senescent tissues. These attributes make them valuable in combating a range of conditions associated with aging, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, skin aging, and osteoarthritis. The integration of exosomes with membrane-penetrating peptides introduces a novel strategy for the delivery of biomolecules, surmounting traditional cellular barriers and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current understanding of MSC-Exos, underscoring their role as a novel and potent therapeutic strategy against the intricate challenges of age-related diseases.

Keywords: exosome; immunomodulatory; mesenchymal stem cell; senescence; tissue regeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging* / pathology
  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Exosomes* / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / metabolism
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / therapy
  • Osteoarthritis / therapy