Immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles in chondrocyte inflammation.

MSC-EVs can positively influence chondrocyte matrix production in pro-inflammatory surroundings, but can also stimulate inflammation. In this study MSC-EV 41.5-EV supplementation increased chondrocyte inflammation, whereas MSC-84-EV supplementation resulted a higher chondrogenic potential of chondrocytes in 3D pellet culture. In summary, the selected MSC-EVs exhibited promising chondrogenic effects indicating their significant potential for the treatment of OA; however, the functional heterogeneity in MSC-EV preparations has to be solved.