Research advances in apoptotic extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells in skin wound repair

Cutaneous wound repair is a complex biological process which involves the development and changes of multiple aspects such as inflammatory response, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell migration, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a significant promoting effect on skin wound repair. However, after being transplanted into the host, stem cells will undergo apoptosis in a short time due to the unfamiliar microenvironments, producing a large number of endogenous apoptotic extracellular vesicles (apoEVs). ApoEVs contain cellular components including microRNAs, mRNAs, DNAs, proteins, and lipids, and also inherit the function of MSCs in promoting tissue repair and regeneration. This article reviews the biogenesis and biological characteristics of apoptotic extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-apoEVs), with emphasis on the current research status of apoEVs contribute to cutaneous wound repair, and summarizes the problems encountered and proposes future research directions.