Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Therapeutics Against Renal Diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells are critical for maintaining steady-state organ homeostasis and regenerating injured tissues. Due to the natural property of extracellular vesicles being of cellular origin, stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, making them attractive innate biotherapeutics for renal disorders. In this chapter, we summarize the current applications and therapeutic molecular mechanisms of EVs derived from natural stem cells in the treatment of renal diseases, with a focus on an updated overview of the key engineering approaches for better exploiting EVs in renal disease intervention. In addition, we present recent advances in utilizing natural membrane nanoparticles (NPs) made from stem cell exosomes with excellent delivery capacity as drug carriers to alleviate kidney injury and delve into harnessing their full potential in renal therapeutics.