Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Prevent Neural Stem Cell Senescence To Promote Cognitive Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can often lead to long-term cognitive issues, such as difficulties with memory and spatial orientation. A significant factor contributing to these persistent problems is the premature aging, or “senescence,” of neural stem cells located in the hippocampus, a critical brain region for learning and memory. This cellular aging is often triggered by increased inflammation after a TBI, specifically by elevated levels of a signaling molecule known as IL-1β. Researchers have explored a novel therapeutic approach using small, membrane-bound sacs called extracellular vesicles, which are released by cells. In this study, they focused on those derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-sEVs). The findings showed that these specialized vesicles could reverse the aging process in brain stem cells and successfully restore their capacity to generate new brain cells, a process essential for brain repair and function. Furthermore, in animal models of TBI, treatment with these vesicles led to improvements in cognitive function and a reduction in the senescence of hippocampal neural stem cells. This beneficial effect was linked to the vesicles’ ability to modulate a specific cellular pathway, offering a new understanding of how these therapies work. This work highlights a promising cell-free strategy for developing new treatments to combat the cognitive impairments experienced by individuals after traumatic brain injuries.