Neural stem cell-derived exosome as a nano-sized carrier for BDNF delivery to a rat model of ischemic stroke

Our previous study demonstrated the potential therapeutic role of human neural stem cell-derived exosomes (hNSC-Exo) in ischemic stroke. Here, we loaded brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) into exosomes derived from NSCs to construct engineered exosomes (BDNF-hNSC-Exo) and compared their effects with those of hNSC-Exo on ischemic stroke both in vitro and in vivo. In a model of H2O2-induced oxidative stress in NSCs, BDNF-hNSC-Exo markedly enhanced cell survival. In a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model, BDNF-hNSC-Exo not only inhibited the activation of microglia, but also promoted the differentiation of endogenous NSCs into neurons. These results suggest that BDNF can improve the function of NSC-derived exosomes in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Our research may support the clinical use of other neurotrophic factors for central nervous system diseases.