Extracellular vesicles (EVs) facilitate intercellular communication. Studies highlight engineered EVs derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), as a promising avenue for regenerative medicine and targeted therapies. These vesicles transfer bioactive molecules essential for cell signaling and have shown potential in tissue repair, drug delivery, and disease diagnostics.
Advantages Over Traditional Cell Therapies
Unlike direct cell transplantation, engineered PSC-EVs provide therapeutic benefits without the associated risks of tumor formation or immune rejection. They are characterized by:
- Lower Immunogenicity – EVs lack major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, reducing the likelihood of immune response.
- Higher Targetability – Engineered EVs can be modified to improve specificity for particular tissues or disease sites.
- Enhanced Stability – Compared to live cell therapies, EVs are more stable and easier to store and transport.
Applications in Regenerative Medicine and Drug Delivery
Engineered EVs have demonstrated potential in multiple biomedical fields:
- Tissue Regeneration – PSC-EVs contribute to the repair of cardiac, bone, cartilage, and corneal tissues by promoting angiogenesis and modulating immune responses.
- Drug Delivery – EVs can be engineered to transport therapeutic molecules, enhancing drug bioavailability and reducing systemic side effects.
- Diagnostics – Their biomarker content may aid in disease diagnosis and improve imaging contrast for medical applications.
- Hydrogel-Based Delivery Systems – Hydrogels embedded with EVs provide controlled drug release, supporting prolonged tissue repair.
Pluripotent Stem Cells, Extracellular Vesicles, Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering, Drug Delivery, Disease Diagnosis, Biomaterials
