Stem cells have attracted a great deal of attention in the last few decades, initially for their ability to differentiate into different cell types, then later for their ability to release various biological factors, known as the “secretome”, with potential therapeutic effects. Previous studies showed that stem cell-derived secretomes could mediate cellular regeneration, protection, and immunomodulation, highlighting their repertoire of attributes.

Among the components of the secretome, there are extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes. Exosomes are nanosized membrane-enveloped vesicles containing different bioactive cargo, such as proteins, lipids, mRNA, miRNA, and other small regulatory RNAs. Stem cell-derived EVs may carry part of the therapeutic effects of their cells of origin; this is advantageous as it could lead to cell-free therapies laced with the therapeutic effects of stem cells. Interestingly and unsurprisingly, as it is common knowledge in the field that stem cells respond differently depending on their microenvironment, it has been found that stem cells can be pre-conditioned to produce and secrete EVs with different therapeutic properties. These properties of stem cells have seen them used in various clinical trials to treat various human diseases.

This Special Issue will have a special emphasis on the therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived EVs for different human diseases such as inflammation-associated diseases, immune-mediated disorders, and autoimmune diseases as well as other diseases. Various kinds of stem cell-derived exosomes will be covered including the pluripotent stem cells (ESCs and iPSCs) and multipotent (somatic) stem cells. Original research and review articles are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Characterization and molecular analysis of the stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs)
• In vitro and in vivo effects of stem cell-derived EVs on cell death and survival
• Anti-inflammatory effects of stem cell-derived EVs
• Immunomodulatory effects of stem cell-derived EVs
• Regenerative capabilities of stem cell-derived EVs
• Anti-senescence effects of stem cell-derived EVs
• The effects of stem cell-derived EVs on hereditary diseases
• The effects of stem cell-derived EVs on cancers
• Clinical trials showing the effects of stem cell-derived EVs in different human diseases
• Engineered EVs for drug delivery and therapeutics
• Therapeutic potential of MSC-derived EVs for the treatment of pneumonia caused by viral infections