Extracellular Vesicles: A New Promise for the Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) despite numerous efforts of neonatologists remains one of the most frequent and long-lasting chronic respiratory diseases consequent to extreme preterm birth. New clinical trials are exploring the possible use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and especially their products, extracellular vesicles (EVs), that overcome some of the possible issues related to the use of live cells. MSCs already reached clinical implementation; MSC-EVs, on the contrary, showed extremely promising results in the preclinical setting but are still waiting their first in human results that are likely to happen soon.

Key Points

• BPD is one of the most frequent complications of preterm birth, and its prevention lacks an effective tool.

• EVs have shown encouraging results in preclinical animal models.

• Technical and biological advancements are needed before routine clinical use.

Keywords

bronchopulmonary dysplasia - extracellular vesicles - hyperoxia - prevention - mesenchymal stem cells - preterm infants - chronic disease - clinical trial - animal models

Publication History

Received: 05 July 2022

Accepted: 18 August 2022

Article published online:
10 November 2022

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