WJ-MSC exosomes are tiny nanosized vesicles (30–150 nanometers in diameter) that are released by Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells — which come from the Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord (the soft connective tissue surrounding the umbilical vessels)a

Source:
WJ-MSCs are derived from the Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord, a rich and ethically accessible source of stem cells.

Characteristics:

• Multipotent — can differentiate into fibroblasts, endothelial cells, adipocytes, osteocytes, and others.
• Exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and tissue-repairing properties.
• Low immunogenicity — can be used allogenically (from donor to recipient) without rejection

Action :

1-WJ-MSCs release growth factors and cytokines (VEGF, TGF-β, IL-10) that:

• Accelerate tissue regeneration and re-epithelialization.
• Reduce inflammation and scarring.
• Promote angiogenesis and collagen remodeling.

2-Anti-Tumor Microenvironment Modulation

Enhancing immune surveillance and natural killer (NK) cell activity.

Suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines that favor neoplastic cell proliferation.

Although trichoblastoma is benign, WJ-MSCs may influence the anti tumor microenvironment by:

Promoting a balanced extracellular matrix to prevent recurrence.

1. Immunomodulatory Effects Against Tumor Cells

WJ-MSCs have a remarkable ability to modulate the immune response, which can indirectly suppress tumor growth:

They enhance anti-tumor immunity by stimulating natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and macrophages to attack abnormal cells.

They secrete immunoregulatory cytokines such as:

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) – increase cytotoxic immune activity.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and TGF-β – regulate excessive inflammation but maintain immune surveillance.

WJ-MSCs can downregulate tumor-supportive inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β), which are often involved in tumor proliferation and angiogenesis.

2. Induction of Tumor Cell Apoptosis

Several studies have shown that WJ-MSCs can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain tumor cells through multiple mechanisms:

Release of pro-apoptotic factors such as TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) and caspase activators.

Cell-to-cell contact via gap junctions or exosomes can trigger apoptosis in neoplastic cells.

Modulation of mitochondrial pathways leading to apoptotic cell death.

This effect varies depending on tumor type more evident in epithelial or carcinoma-type cells, which include trichoblastiomas .

3. Inhibition of Tumor Cell Proliferation

WJ-MSCs can slow tumor progression through paracrine signaling that alters the local environment:

Secretion of growth-inhibitory molecules which block proliferative signaling pathways

Inhibition of angiogenesis in neoplastic tissue ( depriving the tumor of its blood supply )

exosomes containing microRNAs that downregulate oncogenic genes in tumor cells.

4. Remodeling of the Tumor Microenvironment (TME)

WJ-MSCs can transform a tumor-supportive microenvironment into a hostile environment for tumor survival:

Reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators that promote mutagenic activity.

Recruit anti-tumor immune cells and limit infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages which typically protect tumors.

5. Anti-Angiogenic Effects

Tumor growth depends on new vessel formation (angiogenesis). WJ-MSCs can counter this by:

Secreting angiogenesis inhibitors

Downregulating VEGF and PDGF signaling in nearby endothelial cells.

Reducing the density of microvessels in the tumor bed, thus starving the tumor of oxygen and nutrients.

6. Exosome-Mediated Anti-Cancer Activity

WJ-MSC-derived exosomes play a central role in cell-to-cell communication and can deliver anti-oncogenic microRNAs and proteins directly to tumor cells:

These exosomes carry miRNAs that target oncogenes

They can block cell cycle progression, inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and reduce metastasis potential.

Their nano-size allows them to reach deep tumor tissues efficiently without immunologic rejection.

7. Selective Cytotoxicity and Safety

Unlike chemotherapeutic drugs, WJ-MSCs do not damage healthy cells. They exhibit selective inhibition of rapidly dividing or mutated cells while promoting repair of normal tissue.

This dual function anti-tumor + regenerative makes them ideal therapeutic option

Local injection of WJ-MSC around the affected site

Topical application of WJ-MSC-conditioned medium gel CMC ( Carboxymethyl Cellulose )
Which also works as bacteriostatic agent