Exploring the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles in cancer immunotherapy

The therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles (hUCMSC-EVs) in cancer immunotherapy is an emerging area of research that offers promising avenues for enhancing treatment efficacy. This review explores the distinct characteristics of hUCMSC-EVs, highlighting their unique composition and functional properties that differentiate them from extracellular vesicles derived from other sources. We compared the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs derived from the umbilical cord with those of MSCs derived from alternative sources, highlighting their superior therapeutic potential in cancer therapy. Furthermore, we examined the impact of hUCMSC-EVs on cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, elucidating the mechanisms of signaling pathways involved in their effects. Recent advances in the application of hUCMSC-EVs have yielded encouraging therapeutic outcomes, highlighting several advantages over conventional cancer immunotherapies. However, challenges remain in the translational application of these therapies, including variability in EV production, pharmacokinetics, and standardization of protocols, necessitating further research to overcome barriers and optimize their clinical implementation. This review uniquely focuses on the therapeutic implications of hUCMSC-EVs in cancer immunotherapy, highlighting their distinct advantages over EVs from other MSC sources and providing an updated synthesis of mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives not covered in previous reviews.