Abstract:
Human post-partum tissue mesenchymal stromal cells (hPPT-MSCs) are widely used in research to
investigate their differentiation capabilities and therapeutic effects as potential agents in cell-based
therapy. This is ascribed to the advantages offered by the use of MSCs isolated from hPPT over other
MSC sources. A paradigm shift in related research is evident that focuses on the secretome of the human
MSCs (hMSCs), as therapeutic effects of hMSCs are attributed more so to their secreted growth factors,
cytokines and chemokines and to the extracellular vesicles (EVs), all of which are components of the
hMSC secretome. Positive therapeutic effects of the hPPT-MSC secretome have been demonstrated in
diseases related to skin, kidney, heart, nervous system, cartilage and bones, that have aided fast recovery
by replacing damaged, non-functional tissues, via differentiating and regenerating cells. Although certain
limitations such as short half -life of the secretome components and irregular secreting patterns exist in
secretome therapy, these issues are successfully addressed with the use of cutting-edge technologies such
as genome editing and recombinant cytokine treatment. If the current limitations can be successfully
overcome, the hPPT-MSC secretome including its EVs may be developed into a cost-effective therapeutic
agent amenable to be used against a wide range of diseases/disorders.
