Targeting skin barrier repair: mechanisms of action, therapeutic evidence, and clinical translation challenges of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes.

Yujin Li, Jian Huang, Zhibing Fu, Lihua Gao, Xiaoliang Tong, Lu Zhou, Jinrong Zeng, Lina Tan

Abstract readReview

In one paragraph

Review in Stem cell research & therapy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it

0cells of the map it votes in

0citing papers in PubMed

–field-weighted citation impact

1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Yujin LiCentral South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Chang Sha, China.

Jian HuangCentral South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Chang Sha, China.

Zhibing FuCentral South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Chang Sha, China.

Lihua GaoCentral South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Chang Sha, China.

Xiaoliang TongCentral South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Chang Sha, China.

Lu ZhouCentral South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Chang Sha, China.

Jinrong ZengCentral South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Chang Sha, China.

Lina TanCentral South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Chang Sha, China. tanlinawork@163.com.

Funding

the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province Project 2023JJ30843

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Dysfunction of the skin barrier is a central pathological feature in dermatology, driving the need for innovative repair strategies. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) represent a promising cell-free therapeutic paradigm, leveraging their innate cargo to modulate regeneration and immune responses. This review systematically examines the multifaceted role of MSC-exos in restoring skin barrier integrity. We delineate their molecular mechanisms in repairing physical, immunological, and microbial barrier components, supported by evidence from preclinical disease models. The influence of MSC source and preconditioning on exosome efficacy is analyzed, alongside emerging bioengineering approaches. Crucially, we identify and discuss the key translational challenges-including standardization, scalable manufacturing, and regulatory pathways-that must be addressed to advance these nanotherapeutics toward clinical application. This synthesis provides a critical framework for future research aimed at harnessing MSC-exos for targeted barrier repair.

Indexed as

ExosomesMesenchymal Stem CellsSkinSkin DiseasesAnimalsHumansTranslational Research, BiomedicalCell-free therapyClinical translationMesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomesSkin barrier repairSkin homeostasis

Identifiers

PMID42163388

DOI10.1186/s13287-026-04941-6

PMCPMC13366921

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata

LicenceCC BY

Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.