iMSC-lEVs

iMSC-lEVs are large extracellular vesicles (lEVs, >200 nm) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs). They are being investigated as a cell-free therapeutic candidate for the treatment of tendinopathy and other inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. The mechanism of action involves the delivery of dual-specificity phosphatases, specifically DUSP2 and DUSP3, to infiltrated macrophages at the site of injury. These proteins act as negative regulators of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. By inhibiting p38 MAPK phosphorylation, iMSC-lEVs promote the repolarization of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. This immunomodulatory effect leads to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6, as well as nerve growth factor (NGF), thereby alleviating tendinopathy-related pain and facilitating tissue repair.

Other names

iPSC-derived MSC-derived large extracellular vesiclesiMSC-derived large EVslarge extracellular vesicles from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells