Emerging therapeutic potential of umbilical cord-derived extracellular vesicles in lung-injurious diseases: a review of recent advances

Recent research has shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) have significant potential in treating lung injuries. These vesicles facilitate communication between cells and regulate important biological processes, including cell growth, blood vessel formation, and inflammatory responses. Due to their natural ability to cross biological barriers and low risk of immune rejection, EVs are potential vehicles for targeted drug delivery. Among various biological sources, umbilical cord-derived EVs are highly advantageous because the collection process is non-invasive and provides a high yield of vesicles. Preclinical studies have demonstrated their therapeutic potential in conditions such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and asthma. This review summarizes the current evidence supporting the use of umbilical cord-derived EVs for lung diseases. It also discusses key translational challenges, such as manufacturing scalability and product consistency, alongside advanced engineering strategies for future clinical use.