Molecular signatures of secretomes from mesenchymal stem cells: therapeutic benefits

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively used in both preclinical and clinical studies for a variety of diseases and injury. Accumulating evidence indicates that paracrine function through their secretomes is considered one of the primary attributes for MSC-mediated repair and regeneration. Secretomes from MSCs include both soluble factors and factors released within extracellular vesicles (EVs). Within EVs there are selective subsets of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that can modulate recipient cells and disease microenvironments. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of MSC-derived secretomes at molecular and therapeutic levels, focusing on their potential as novel cell-free therapies.