Understanding Exosomes

Exosomes used in the treatment of Autoimmune disease in conjunction with Stem cells

Exosomes have been in the spotlight over the last decade. These are membrane-bound extracellular vesicles. Initially, exosomes in extracellular space were considered to be a cellular waste, but now we know that they play a vital role in carrying complex:

  • Proteins

  • Lipid molecules

  • Nucleic acids

Moreover, distant or neighboring cells can selectively take up the exosomes to reprogram their recipient cells. 

Properties of exosomes that make them biologically significant vesicles are:

  • Regulated formation or makeup

  • Specific cargo composition for carrying molecules

  • Specificity for cell targeting 

  • Non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers

  • Therapeutic micro-carriers for different compounds

In stem cell therapy, we use donor cells to regenerate the lost cell in a specific body part, but exosomes do not require a donor. However, exosomes can be extracted from the already donated cells for stem cell therapy. Exosomes are extracted and sterilized from the donated MSCs (Mesenchymal stem cells). These vesicles contain micro-RNA, m-RNA, proteins, and cytokines administered inside the body through the IV route. 

 
 

A combination of exosome and stem cell therapy:

Stem cell therapy is a successful treatment for the regeneration of cells, but combining exosomes can even enhance its efficiency. Exosomes can be 3x more concentrated with growth factors to proliferate cell production compared to adult stem cells. 

In autoimmune diseases, the body forgets to keep the inter and intracellular communication intact. Stem cell therapy helps redirect the body pathways and cell mechanisms, but a few external factors can limit its efficiency. 

On the other hand, exosome therapy can help in supporting the gaps of stem cell therapy by:

  • Enhancing cell-to-cell communication

  • Providing additional and more advanced information from the immature or younger cells

  • Providing maximum efficacy because they can cross the blood-brain barrier

Exosome vesicles are easy to administer in the body, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic. An increase in cell-to-cell communication helps in improved healing and structured or programmed cell growth in the body. That’s why researchers suggest the combination of both exosomes and stem cell therapy to treat autoimmune diseases.