Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a mixed population of bone marrow cells that can differentiate into bone, fat and cartilage tissues. The demand for MSCs has grown astronomically in recent years for their use in cell therapy.

Many of the beneficial therapeutic effects of MSCs are believed to be mediated by the so-called “paracrine effect”; the influence of secreted products of MSCs including proteins and extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are small, membranous, secreted carriers of proteins and nucleic acids that enable cell-cell communication and there is a growing interest in the use of EVs in diverse biotechnological applications, in particular as alternatives to stem cell therapy.

Technology Overview

Researchers at the University of York have engineered a unique series of immortalised human clonal MSC lines which surprisingly retain all the characteristics that you would expect to find in a mesenchymal stem cell population: remarkable homogeneity, ability to grow rapidly, differentiate efficiently and deliver reproducible data consistently. Cell lines have been confirmed to produce exosomes and detailed information is available on their biological cargo, which have the potential to reproduce the beneficial properties of the parent cells in therapeutic applications. As the cell lines are are immortal, there is the potential to generate an endless, consistent supply of exosomes for clinical use.

Benefits

Use of EV’s has significant cost and safety advantages over cell- and protein-based therapies
These MSCs should deliver EVs with a much superior level of consistency
Immortalised human MSCs can be used to produce an inexhaustible supply of MSC-EVs

Applications

Can be used to treat skeletal disorders
Can be used to treat degenerative diseases
MSCs have marked immunomodulatory properties and there are promising data on their use in combating immune disorders

Opportunity

The University of York is searching for licensing opportunities and collaborative research partners.

Extracellular Vesicles from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lines

Seeking