Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (31): 8230-8236.doi: 10.12307/2026.829

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Safety, stability, and action mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in treatment of viral infectious diseases

He Jinwen1, Li Jin1, 2   

  1. 1Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Biosafety, Guizhou Provincial Department of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China; 2School of Preclinical Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
  • Received:2025-09-25 Accepted:2026-01-06 Online:2026-11-08 Published:2026-05-25
  • Contact: Li Jin, Associate professor, Master’s supervisor, Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Biosafety, Guizhou Provincial Department of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China; School of Preclinical Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
  • About author:He Jinwen, MS candidate, Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Biosafety, Guizhou Provincial Department of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China (Regional Project), No. 82360859 (to LJ); Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Program Project, No. ZK[2024]287 (to LJ)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Viral infectious diseases continue to pose a significant challenge in the global public health arena. Current antiviral therapeutics exhibit significant limitations, necessitating further exploration of potentially feasible novel treatment strategies.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize and outline the mechanism of action, research progress, and problems of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in viral infectious diseases. 
METHODS: “Mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes, viruses, viral infectious diseases, antiviral effect, immunomodulation” were selected as the key words in Chinese and English. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), and WanFang Data. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and the screening process involved a thorough review of titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. Ultimately, a total of 63 relevant articles were included in the analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Starting from the biogenesis and compositional structure of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes, the article explores in detail the mechanisms of exosome formation and release, as well as the potential roles of their components, including proteins, lipids, and miRNAs, in the treatment of viral infectious diseases. The antiviral mechanisms mediated by mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes are summarized, encompassing both direct inhibition of viral entry and replication, as well as indirect effects through immunomodulatory pathways. A comprehensive review is provided regarding the application of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes across a range of viral infections. Finally, the article discusses current advances in clinical research on exosome-based therapies for viral diseases and explores their potential in combination with pharmacological agents.

Key words: mesenchymal stem cell, exosomes, viral infections, antiviral effects, microRNAs, immunomodulation, advances in clinical research, combination therapies

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