He Y, Li JP, Ma C, Zhang GK, Li CY. Potential therapeutic applications of antler stem cells and their derivatives. World J Stem Cells 2026; 18(10): 125616 [DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.125616]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Chun-Yi Li, PhD, Professor, Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, No. 1345 Pudong Road, Changchun 130600, Jilin Province, China. lichunyi1959@163.com
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Cell & Tissue Engineering
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review-article
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He Y, Li JP, Ma C, Zhang GK, Li CY. Potential therapeutic applications of antler stem cells and their derivatives. World J Stem Cells 2026; 18(10): 125616 [DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.125616]
World J Stem Cells. Oct 26, 2026; 18(10): 125616 Published online Oct 26, 2026. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.125616
Potential therapeutic applications of antler stem cells and their derivatives
Yang He, Ji-Ping Li, Chao Ma, Guo-Kun Zhang, Chun-Yi Li
Yang He, Ji-Ping Li, Chao Ma, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin Province, China
Yang He, Ji-Ping Li, Chao Ma, Guo-Kun Zhang, Chun-Yi Li, Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun 130600, Jilin Province, China
Guo-Kun Zhang, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, China
Co-first authors: Yang He and Ji-Ping Li.
Co-corresponding authors: Guo-Kun Zhang and Chun-Yi Li.
Author contributions: He Y and Li JP contributed equally to this work and are co-first authors; Zhang GK and Li CY contributed equally to this manuscript and are co-corresponding authors; Li CY and Zhang GK conceptualized and designed the study, created the artwork, and made critical revisions; He Y, Li JP, and Ma C conducted the literature review, did the analysis, interpretation of data, and supervised; He Y and Zhang GK drafted the draft manuscript; and all authors prepared the draft and approved the submitted version.
AI contribution statement: Portions of this manuscript were edited using AI tools solely for language refinement. The authors carefully reviewed and verified all AI-assisted outputs and take full responsibility for the scientific content of the manuscript.
Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 32300708 and No. 32470892; Science and Technology Development Plan Project of Jilin Province, No. YDZJ202401453ZYTS; and Jilin Province Medical and Health Talent Special Project, No. 2025WSZX-JC03.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Chun-Yi Li, PhD, Professor, Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, No. 1345 Pudong Road, Changchun 130600, Jilin Province, China. lichunyi1959@163.com
Received: July 14, 2026 Revised: August 18, 2026 Accepted: October 20, 2026 Published online: October 26, 2026 Processing time: 107 Days and 0.8 Hours
Abstract
Deer antlers are the only mammalian organs that regenerate annually, driven by antler stem cells (AnSCs) in the pedicle periosteum. In the past two decades, AnSCs have shifted from a topic of comparative biology to a potential source for regenerative treatments. The cell type has evolved from periosteum-derived multipotent cells to the identification of antler blastema progenitor cells and RXFP2-positive mesenchymal stem cells. In parallel, two distinct translational routes have emerged: Transplantation of living AnSCs and cell-free administration of their derivatives, including conditioned medium, extracellular vesicles (EVs)/exosomes, and AnSC-derived peptides. Across the skin, bone, cartilage, liver, lung, nervous system, and cardiovascular system, both routes have produced promising pro-regenerative and anti-fibrotic effects, and recent work in non-human primates has extended these findings to systemic aging. This review integrates current evidence on the redefined AnSC taxonomy, distinguishes the evidence base and regulatory implications of the cellular vs cell-free routes, summarizes shared molecular mechanisms, and argues that companion-animal veterinary medicine represents a uniquely tractable near-term translational arena. We identify the main barriers to human clinical translation: EV standardization, immunogenicity, dose-response uncertainty, and long-term safety.
Core Tip: This review highlights antler stem cells (AnSCs) through three main points. First, it examines distinct populations, such as antler blastema progenitor cells and RXFP2-positive periosteal cells, which are related in the context of antler development and regeneration. Second, it differentiates between living-cell transplantation and cell-free derivatives, noting that the latter currently face fewer manufacturing and safety challenges. Lastly, it compares AnSCs with established mesenchymal stromal cell sources, emphasizing advantages such as strong osteochondral activity and renewable sourcing, while also tackling concerns such as immunogenicity, donor variability, and a lack of human clinical evidence.
