Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Cancer Resistance Against Therapeutics

Stem cell research has been growing widely in the biomedical science field. Various stem cells have been reported against diseases and have shown positive therapeutic efficacy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells, meaning they can transform into different types of cells/tissues. Research on MSCs in cancer therapies is gaining more interest due to their potent action and fewer side effects. However, extracellular vesicles such as exosomes, tiny particles secreted from MSCs, can restrict the therapeutic function of MSCs against cancer disease and promote resistance. Molecular mechanisms involved in the tumor progression and development of resistance due to MSCs and MSC-derived exosomes have been explained in this article with pictorial representation. Understanding the functionality of MSCs and MSC-derived exosomes can help to prevent resistance and disease severity. Also, it may provide insight into the target/molecular pathways involved in the tumor progression due to MSCs or MSC-derived exosomes.