Cell Secretome: Basic Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities for CNS Disorders

Pharmaceuticals, 2020 · DOI: 10.3390/ph13020031 · Published: February 20, 2020

Simple Explanation

Cell transplantation, particularly using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), is a promising treatment for CNS injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent research focuses on using cell byproducts, especially the cell secretome. This review discusses the current state of secretome-based therapies for various central nervous system (CNS) conditions, including spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), ischemic stroke (IS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The review explores the sources, composition, and collection methods of the cell secretome, as well as the therapeutic potential of its protein and vesicular components, and the impact on CNS disorders.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
MSC-based therapies, particularly those utilizing the cell secretome, show promise in treating CNS diseases like SCI, TBI, IS, and PD. The secretome's regenerative effects are attributed to secreted factors and vesicles rather than cellular differentiation.
2
The cell secretome contains soluble factors (proteins, cytokines) and vesicular fractions (exosomes, microvesicles) that promote neuronal survival, angiogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and immunomodulation in CNS disorders.
3
Preconditioning methods, such as hypoxia or inflammatory stimuli, can modulate the secretome profile of cells, enhancing the production of specific factors and improving therapeutic potential in CNS injury models.

Research Summary

Cell secretome-based therapies are emerging as a promising approach for treating CNS disorders, offering potential advantages over traditional cell transplantation methods. The secretome's paracrine effects promote tissue repair and regeneration in the injured or diseased CNS. The review highlights the importance of understanding the composition of the secretome and optimizing production methods to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. Further research is needed to standardize protocols and identify specific factors responsible for the beneficial effects. Future studies should focus on developing targeted secretome-based therapies that address specific pathophysiological deficits in CNS disorders. Combinatorial approaches involving biomaterials and other therapeutic agents may further enhance the efficacy of secretome treatment.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Development

Identify key components within the secretome (specific cytokines, growth factors, or microRNAs) that drive regenerative effects, leading to the development of targeted therapies.

Clinical Translation

Develop standardized protocols for secretome production, characterization, and administration to facilitate clinical trials and potential therapeutic applications for CNS disorders.

Personalized Medicine

Tailor secretome-based therapies to individual patient needs by optimizing the secretome profile based on the specific pathophysiology of their CNS injury or disease.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of standardized production methods for cell secretome, leading to variability in composition and efficacy across studies.
2
Incomplete understanding of the mechanisms of action of the secretome's components and their interactions in promoting CNS regeneration.
3
Challenges in tissue transport, protein stability, and half-life of secretome-based therapies, requiring the development of new delivery strategies.

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