Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal microRNAs contribute to wound inflammation

Abstract

Clinical and experimental studies have highlighted the significance of inflammation in coordinating wound repair and regeneration. However, it remains challenging to control the inflammatory response and tolerance at systemic levels without causing toxicity to injured tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess potent immunomodulatory properties and facilitate tissue repair by releasing exosomes, which generate a suitable microenvironment for inflammatory resolution. Exosomes contain several effective bioactive molecules and act as a cell-cell communication vehicle to influence cellular activities in recipient cells. During this process, the horizontal transfer of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) to acceptor cells, where they regulate target gene expression, is of particular interest for understanding the basic biology of inflammation ablation, tissue homeostasis, and development of therapeutic approaches. In this review, we describe a signature of three specific miRNAs (miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-181) present in human umbilical cord MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-EXO) identified microarray chip analysis and focus on the inflammatory regulatory functions of these immune-related miRNAs. We also discuss the potential mechanisms contributing to the resolution of wound inflammation and tissue healing.