Table 1 Comparison between MSCs and MSC-EVs
Characteristic | MSCs | MSC-EVs | Notes | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Determination of HSC fate | Yes | Similar to MSCs | Both MSCs and MSC-EVs have the proliferation and differentiation capacity of HSCs in vivo and in vitro, as well as inhibition of HSC apoptosis | |
Malignant transformation | Yes/no | Not reported | Malignant transformation of MSCs depend on source, passage number, expansion protocol, medium conditions, etc | |
Bone regeneration | Yes | Similar to MSCs | MSCs engaged in bone regeneration via differentiation to osteoblasts, MSC-EVs promote bone regeneration via microRNAs, especially miR-335 | |
Genetically instability | Possible | Not reported | Chromosomal anomalies in MSCs were seen at higher passages | [101] |
Ectopic differentiation | Yes | Not reported | Bone formation in ectopic tissues after systemic infusion of MSCs were seen but not in MSC-EVs injection | |
Opportunistic infections | High risk | Safe | MSCs are good vectors for microorganisms such as B19, CMV, HSV-1, and Mycoplasma hyorhinis but not reported for MSC-EVs | |
Immunosuppressive potency | Potent | Low potent | Increase recipient susceptibility to opportunistic infections | |
Risk of GVHD | Low Risk | Less than MSCs | Due to altering the proportion of immune cells, increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and decrease pro-inflammatory cytokine release | |
Potential of tumor promoting effects | Dual role | Similar to MSCs | It depends on balance between inhibitory (e.g., miR-221, -23b, -1587) and promotional (e.g., miR-145, -124a, -16) bioactive molecules |