All cells release small extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can carry cargo to other cells to affect their function. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) release EVs that have regenerative activities in vitro and in vivo and which represent potentially valuable new therapeutics. The realization of this potential is hindered by a lack of analytical methods to characterize MSC EVs, determine their mechanisms of action, and establish potency and dosage criteria. We will produce high resolution analysis tools for MSC EVs that will address these limitations and enable their development as new therapeutic entities.
To meet the needs of researchers investigating the role of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)- derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in regenerative medicine, we will develop and validate assay kits that enable the high resolution measurement of EV number, size, and surface cargo. These assays will enable the development of new MSC EV therapeutics to treat a range of diseases.