CCR2 Orchestrates Preferential Homing and Therapeutic Efficacy of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

ABSTRACT: The clinical utility of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is often limited by pulmonary entrapment and poor systemic distribution, particularly in diseases constrained by physiological barriers such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where joint accessibility restricts therapeutic efficacy. This study systematically compares the immunomodulatory capacity and inflammation-targeting potential of human gingiva-derived MSCs (GMSCs) and their extracellular vesicles (GMSC-EVs) in vivo. Using an experimental RA model, we demonstrate that GMSC-EVs exhibit superior tropism to inflamed joints compared to GMSCs, resulting in significantly greater amelioration of disease severity, including reduced joint swelling, bone destruction, and balanced pathogenic T-cell responses. Mechanistically, we identify C-C chem

SUBMITTER: Chen J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12771584 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature