Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Canine Placental-derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells

Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (PMSCs) possess unique robust neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties. In addition, to freely secreted growth factors and proteins MSCs also release a significant number of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized particles containing bioactive molecules which mediate intercellular communication and may be clinically advantageous for CNS disorders. They have a multitude of functions as they are involved in intracellular communication, act as delivery vehicles with cellular cargo, and can modulate physiological conditions. Furthermore, it was found that the high-dose PMSC-EV treatment exerted similar clinical outcomes to the PMSCs in an EAE mouse model of multiple sclerosis, demonstrating their potential as cell-free alternative therapeutics. The goal of this study is to isolate and characterize canine PMSC-EVs (cPMSC) for future studies to evaluate therapeutic applications in large animal models.