Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that play a mediator role in cell-to-cell communication. They are composed of unique proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which replicate the composition of producer cells and can be used as cell-free therapeutics. Exosomes derived from stem cells have attracted great attention due to their immunomodulatory, regenerative and antimicrobial capabilities. These capabilities have been demonstrated in various in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, recent developments in the field of exosome therapy have resulted in elaboration of specific quality control methods and guidelines, which will facilitate the use of exosomes in clinical settings.
The leading cause of death in the ICUs is sepsis, with a mortality rate as high as 30%-50% in severe cases. Microbial infections, which cause sepsis, involve complex interactions between microbial pathogens and the host immune system. Excessive induction of endogenous proinflammatory cytokines and coagulation pathways during the early phase of sepsis result in adverse effects in patients. Stem cells can modulate the expression of the corresponding genes in sepsis. Stem cells also enhance the clearance of pathogens and repair of injured tissues in sepsis.
With this Research Topic, we aim to promote knowledge from recent advancements in the field of exosome therapy of microbial infections. We welcome original research articles, reviews and other acceptable article types that focus on:
• Exosome isolation methods for stem cell production for antimicrobial applications (antibacterials, antifungals, antivirals, or antiparasitics).
• Stem cell genome manipulation for improved production of antimicrobial agents and release-through exosomes.
• In vitro and in vivo studies evaluating stem cell-derived exosomes on pathogenic microbes.
• Development of quality control measures and guidelines for production of stem cell-derived exosomes as antimicrobials in clinical settings.
Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that play a mediator role in cell-to-cell communication. They are composed of unique proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which replicate the composition of producer cells and can be used as cell-free therapeutics. Exosomes derived from stem cells have attracted great attention due to their immunomodulatory, regenerative and antimicrobial capabilities. These capabilities have been demonstrated in various in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, recent developments in the field of exosome therapy have resulted in elaboration of specific quality control methods and guidelines, which will facilitate the use of exosomes in clinical settings.
The leading cause of death in the ICUs is sepsis, with a mortality rate as high as 30%-50% in severe cases. Microbial infections, which cause sepsis, involve complex interactions between microbial pathogens and the host immune system. Excessive induction of endogenous proinflammatory cytokines and coagulation pathways during the early phase of sepsis result in adverse effects in patients. Stem cells can modulate the expression of the corresponding genes in sepsis. Stem cells also enhance the clearance of pathogens and repair of injured tissues in sepsis.
With this Research Topic, we aim to promote knowledge from recent advancements in the field of exosome therapy of microbial infections. We welcome original research articles, reviews and other acceptable article types that focus on:
• Exosome isolation methods for stem cell production for antimicrobial applications (antibacterials, antifungals, antivirals, or antiparasitics).
• Stem cell genome manipulation for improved production of antimicrobial agents and release-through exosomes.
• In vitro and in vivo studies evaluating stem cell-derived exosomes on pathogenic microbes.
• Development of quality control measures and guidelines for production of stem cell-derived exosomes as antimicrobials in clinical settings.
