Mesenchymal stem cell-derived microRNAs: Key immunomodulators to prevent ocular tissue degeneration

doi:10.4252/wjsc.v17.i10.110058

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Oct 26, 2025 (publication date) through Oct 27, 2025

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World Journal of Stem Cells

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1948-0210

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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA

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World J Stem Cells. Oct 26, 2025; 17(10): 110058
Published online Oct 26, 2025. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v17.i10.110058

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived microRNAs: Key immunomodulators to prevent ocular tissue degeneration

Sneha Nair, Gowri Priya Chidambaranathan

Sneha Nair, Gowri Priya Chidambaranathan, Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, Tamil Nādu, India

Sneha Nair, Gowri Priya Chidambaranathan, Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nādu, India

Author contributions: Nair S collected the articles, consolidated the published literature, and prepared the manuscript; Chidambaranathan GP conceptualized, planned, and proofread the manuscript.

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Corresponding author: Gowri Priya Chidambaranathan, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, No. 1 Anna Nagar, Madurai 625020, Tamil Nādu, India. gowri@aravind.org

Received: May 28, 2025
Revised: July 10, 2025
Accepted: September 2, 2025
Published online: October 26, 2025
Processing time: 149 Days and 15.7 Hours

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of 20-22 nucleotides in length. They have been identified as major regulators in the secretome of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) including adipose tissue, bone marrow, Wharton’s jelly, and dental pulp. These MSCs and their secretome with specific miRNAs are known modulators of the immune response, angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis. In this review, the application of MSC-derived miRNAs in treating several ocular conditions including dry eye, glaucoma, and retinal degenerative diseases has been compiled. In addition, the emerging role of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles carrying miRNAs as a major cargo, regulating the target cells in the human eye has been reviewed. Finally, the bioengineering of nanovesicles with specific MSC-derived miRNAs as novel drug therapy has been discussed.

Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells; MicroRNA; Extracellular vesicles; Ocular diseases; Exosomes

Core Tip: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as potent therapeutic agents for ocular degeneration due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. A key mechanism of action is through extracellular vesicles, which deliver bioactive cargoes, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), to target cells. This review highlights the role of MSC-derived miRNAs in modulating immune responses and promoting repair in ocular diseases such as corneal injury, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and glaucoma. It also explores the potential of engineering extracellular vesicles enriched with specific MSC-derived miRNAs as innovative, cell-free therapeutic strategies.