Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes: a new hope for improving asthma airway remodeling.

BACKGROUND: Asthma features airway hyperresponsiveness, reversible airflow obstruction, and airway remodeling. Its rising incidence and mortality confer a growing societal burden. Recent studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-EXOs) for asthma, warranting further investigation into their underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the application and underlying mechanisms of MSC-EXOs in mitigating airway remodeling in asthma, with the goal of exploring the feasibility of MSC-EXOs as a potential therapeutic strategy for asthma management. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the keywords "Asthma," "Airway Remodeling," "Mesenchymal Stem Cells," and "Exosomes." Relevant studies published between March 17, 2000, and September 24, 2024, were identified through systematic searches in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The retrieved studies were systematically analyzed and organized to offer a thorough and comprehensive overview of the relevant literature. RESULTS: This review offers a detailed examination of the pathogenesis of asthma, current therapeutic strategies, and their inherent limitations. It delves into the sources, biological functions, and therapeutic potential of MSCs and MSC-EXOs in mitigating airway remodeling in asthma, along with the molecular mechanisms implicated in these processes. Furthermore, it identifies the limitations of current research on MSC-EXOs therapy for asthma and suggests promising directions for future investigations. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the advantages of MSC-EXOs as a therapeutic modality in the context of regenerative medicine for asthma treatment. Preclinical studies have consistently demonstrated the therapeutic potential of MSC-EXOs, suggesting that they may provide additional treatment options for asthma patients in the future.