Apoptotic bodies derived from mesenchymal stem cells promote cutaneous wound healing via regulating the functions of macrophages

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background As the major interface between the body and the external environment, the skin is liable to various injuries. Skin injuries often lead to severe disability, and the exploration of promising therapeutic strategies is of great importance. Exogenous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy is a potential strategy due to the apparent therapeutic effects, while the underlying mechanism is still elusive. Interestingly, we observed the extensive apoptosis of exogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) in a short time after transplantation in mouse skin wound healing models. Considering the roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in intercellular communication, we hypothesized that the numerous apoptotic bodies (ABs) released during apoptosis may partially contribute to the therapeutic effects. Methods ABs derived from MSCs were extracted, characterized, and applied in mouse skin wound healing models, and the therapeutic effects were evaluated. Then, the target cells of ABs were explored, and the effects of ABs on macrophages were investigated in vitro. Results We found ABs derived from MSCs promoted cutaneous wound healing via triggering the polarization of macrophages towards M2 phenotype. In addition, the functional converted macrophages further enhanced the migration and proliferation abilities of fibroblasts, which together facilitated the wound healing process

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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