Project R-14239

Cell-derived vesicles as an innovative solution for ischemic stroke research (Research)

Ischemic stroke is a neurological disorder caused by a sudden disrupted blood supply of the brain. It is the second leading cause of death worldwide and often leads to permanent disabilities. Only a small proportion of patients can be adequately treated, highlighting the urgent need for new treatments. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and their extracellular vesicles (EV) have been proposed as an ideal therapy as they reduce acute inflammation and enhance blood vessel formation. However, their translation to the clinic is hampered by low scalability and isolation yields. Reconstructed cytoplasmic membranes of MSC (mMSC) were shown to inherit the biological characteristics of the source cells and have prolonged shelf-life and high safety profile. The goal of this project is to evaluate the potential of mMSC as a treatment for ischemic stroke. We will assess the effect of mMSC on in vitro immunomodulation and angiogenesis, two key treatment strategies for stroke. In addition, we will also evaluate the mMSC in a mouse model for stroke. Insights obtained in this project will enhance our current knowledge of mMSC as well as pave the way for potential clinical trials of this novel nanomedicine.

01 November 2023 - 31 October 2025