Therapeutic Potential of Exosomes in Spinal Cord Injury Repair: A Review; [یرورمربلیسناتپینامردموزوزگااهردیزاسزابتاعیاضیعاخن] Publisher



Ghiasi M ; Pestehi K ; Jafarian M ; Ebrahimi S ; Ghiasi A ; Salamat A
Source: Neuroscience Journal of Shefaye Khatam Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: The central nervous system (CNS), comprising the brain and spinal cord, is a highly complex and vulnerable system, and injuries affecting it represent a major health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Currently, the treatment of CNS injuries remains one of the major challenges in medicine, as no available therapy can fully restore lost structure and function. Various strategies have been explored to promote CNS repair and regeneration, among which stem cell–based approaches have emerged as particularly promising, especially utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Exosomes secreted from MSCs can play an important role in repairing CNS damage as a therapeutic agent with fewer side effects. A growing body of evidence indicates that MSCs exert beneficial effects in CNS injury models primarily through paracrine mechanisms, through which they secrete growth factors, chemokines, cytokines, and small extracellular vesicles that support neuroprotection and tissue repair. Interestingly, among these paracrine molecules, exosomes may have the greatest therapeutic value and are therefore being extensively studied by researchers. Exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles of endoplasmic origin with a diameter of 30–150 nm, play an important role in intercellular communication and have become a suitable agent for drug delivery. Conclusion: MSC-derived exosomes may overcome many of the limitations associated with cell-based therapies in CNS injuries. This therapeutic approach may provide a safe and effective strategy for promoting neural regeneration. Continued research into their mechanisms and clinical translation may contribute to the advancement of new therapeutic approaches for CNS injuries. © 2026, Shefa Neuroscience Research Center. All rights reserved.