Beyond the Cell: Stem Cell‐Derived Exosomes as Next‐Generation Tools in Regenerative Therapy

Abstract

Exosomes derived from stem cells have gained significant interest in recent years due to their considerable promise as a cell‐free therapy in drug delivery and regenerative medicine. Their therapeutic appeal lies in their immune‐modulating properties, along with a lower risk of immune response or tumor formation compared to whole cell‐based therapies. It has been highlighted that exosomes can be engineered to deliver therapeutic molecules such as RNAs, proteins, and drugs to specific cells, tissues, and organs, making them a promising tool for targeted therapies. This review summarizes the sources of exosomes from different types of stem cells, covering the components of their molecular cargos from different types of RNAs, proteins, growth factors, and other molecules. The focus is on the different advanced methods used to isolate and characterize the exosomes. Exosomes have many therapeutic applications related to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disease, wound healing, bone repair, and renal and hepatic injuries.