Mesenchymal stem cell secretome and extracellular vesicles for neurodegenerative diseases: Risk-benefit profile and next steps for the market access

Bioactive Materials, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.013 · Published: June 19, 2023

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a significant and increasing challenge to healthcare systems globally. Current treatments often fall short, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic avenue due to their neuroregenerative, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. These beneficial effects are largely attributed to the bioactive substances they release, collectively known as the secretome. This review provides an overview of recent research on the safety and efficacy of MSC-derived secretome and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in preclinical and clinical models of various neurodegenerative diseases. It explores the mechanisms behind their therapeutic effects and strategies to optimize their production for specific therapeutic needs.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Preclinical models and clinical trials

Evidence Level

Review article

Key Findings

1
MSC-secretome and EVs have shown potential in improving cognitive decline, reducing plaque deposition, regulating inflammatory responses, and decreasing neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease models.
2
In Parkinson's disease models, MSC-secretome and EVs have demonstrated the ability to enhance dopamine levels, reduce the loss and apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons, and improve motor performance.
3
For multiple sclerosis, MSC-secretome and EVs have shown promise in decreasing disease severity and improving motor function outcomes by exerting anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.

Research Summary

Neurodegenerative diseases present a growing burden on healthcare systems, necessitating effective treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise due to their neuroregenerative, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties, linked to their secretome. MSC-secretome and EVs have demonstrated potential therapeutic effects in preclinical and clinical studies across various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis, by improving key disease-related outcomes. Despite promising results, challenges remain in translating MSC-secretome and EVs into clinical practice. These include ensuring scalability, batch-to-batch consistency, adherence to GMP guidelines, and conducting thorough cost-benefit analyses.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

MSC-secretome and EVs offer a promising cell-free alternative therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Addressing challenges related to scalability, consistency, and GMP compliance in the manufacturing of MSC-secretome and EVs is crucial.

Market Access

A thorough cost-benefit analysis is needed to ensure a positive cost-benefit ratio for MSC-secretome and EVs compared to current therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, contingent on dosage, timing, and administration frequency.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of comprehensive and efficient path for regulatory compliance.
2
Challenges in batch-to-batch consistency due to biological variability.
3
Limitations of current analytical technologies hinder detailed characterization of MSC-secretome/EVs.

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