human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hUC-MSC-Exos) are nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) harvested from the umbilical cord. Developed by The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, these exosomes are being investigated as a cell-free therapeutic approach for inflammatory ocular surface diseases, including dry eye disease associated with Sjögren's syndrome and chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD). The therapeutic mechanism involves the delivery of bioactive cargo—including microRNAs, proteins, and lipids—that modulate the immune response, inhibit the activation of pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, promote the expansion of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), and reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6. By suppressing ocular surface inflammation and promoting corneal epithelial repair, hUC-MSC-Exos aim to alleviate the symptoms and underlying pathology of severe dry eye.

Other names

hUC-MSC-derived exosomesUmbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes