Stem Cell Secretome: Therapeutic Potential in Regenerative Medicine
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Stem Cells".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 48
Special Issue Editor
Interests: paracrine factors and tissue regeneration; secretome conditioned by microenvironment or stimuli; extracellularvesicles vs. soluble fraction; formulations and delivery of the therapeutic secretome
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The regenerative potential of stem cells is well known and deeply studied, and is attributed to their ability to differentiate and integrate into damaged tissues. In recent years, a growing body of scientific evidence has highlighted the fundamental role of the secretome—composed of soluble factors, cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles (EVs)—as a key mediator of stem cell-induced repair. The stem cell secretome plays a crucial paracrine role in modulating inflammation, stimulating resident progenitor cells, and coordinating tissue regeneration in various organs, including the heart, brain, liver, and skin. Recent studies have focused on secretome profiling and delivery technologies, thus paving the way for acellular regenerative therapies. This innovative approach can also overcome the limitations of cell transplantation, such as immune rejection, and some related ethical concerns.
Despite promising results from some preclinical studies and early-stage clinical trials, several challenges remain regarding standardization, preservation of bioactivity, and mechanism elucidation. This Special Issue aims to consolidate cutting-edge research and perspectives on the characterization, modulation, and therapeutic application of the stem cell secretome.
This Special Issue will include original research articles, reviews, and perspectives covering (but not limited to):
Molecular composition and dynamics of stem cell secretomes (mesenchymal, neural, pluripotent, etc.).
Roles of different secretome components in tissue repair and immune modulation.
Extracellular vesicles (exosomes, microvesicles) as therapeutic vectors.
Comparative studies: secretome vs. cell therapy.
Dr. Emanuela Mari
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- paracrine factors and tissue regeneration
- secretome conditioned by microenvironment or stimuli
- extracellularvesicles vs. soluble fraction
- formulations and delivery of the therapeutic secretome
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