Mesenchymal Stem Cell - derived Exosomes and Their Effects on M۲ Macrophage Polarization and Wound Healing

Introduction: Multiple complex stages are involved in wound healing to repair the damaged tissue. Macrophages as heterogeneous cells play a pivotal and significant role in the different stages of wound healing. Two phenotypes of macrophages exist, M۱ macrophage (pro-inflammatory) and M۲ macrophage (anti-inflammatory). M۱ macrophage activation will exert inflammation responses and prevent the wound-healing process, in contrast, M۲ macrophage activation eliminates inflammation and promotes tissue repair and wound healing. Exosome, as a nano-scale extracellular vesicle can induce the M۲ macrophage polarization from M۱ macrophage, reduce inflammation, and improve wound healing. Increasing evidence has shown that exosomes secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can facilitate the M۲ macrophage polarization during wound repair and might be a therapeutic target. In the present study, we reviewed the effects of MSCs-derived exosomes on wound healing with a particular focus on macrophage repolarization. Methods: In this study, the keywords “mesenchymal stem cell”, “exosome”, “M۲ macrophage”, and “wound healing” were searched in reliable databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar between ۲۰۱۸ and ۲۰۲۴, and relevant articles were obtained and analyzed. Result: MSCs-derived exosomes increased the rate of M۲ macrophage polarization and induced wound healing by preventing inflammation. In addition, it is demonstrated that MSC-derived exosomes significantly suppressed the pro-inflammatory factors CD۸۶, iNOS, IL-۱β, and TNF-α, while increasing the anti-inflammatory factor IL-۱۰ and CD۲۰۶. Because inflammation is one of the major mechanisms for delaying the wound healing process, considering mentioned outcomes, MSC-derived exosomes can be a potential therapeutic agent for wound healing. Conclusion: These findings proved that MSCs-derived exosomes could accelerate wound healing by eliciting M۲ macrophage polarization. Therefore, exosomes might be an effective and innovative treatment for wound healing.

کلیدواژه ها:

Mesenchymal stem cells ، Exosomes ، M۲ macrophage polarization ، Wound healing