Paracrine Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Ischemic Stroke: Opportunities and Challenges

It is well acknowledged that neuroprotective effects of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in ischemic stroke are attributed to their paracrine-mediated actions or bystander effects rather than to cell replacement in infarcted areas. This therapeutic plasticity is due to MSCs’ ability to secrete a broad range of bioactive molecules including growth factors, trophic factors, cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular vesicles, overall known as the secretome. The secretome derivatives, such as conditioned medium (CM) or purified extracellular vesicles (EVs), exert remarkable advantages over MSC transplantation in stroke treating. Here, in this review, we used published information to provide an overview on the secretome composition of MSCs, underlying mechanisms of therapeutic effects of MSCs, and preclinical studies on MSC-derived products application in stroke. Furthermore, we discussed current advantages and challenges for successful bench-to-bedside translation.