Human Retinal Secretome: A Cross-Link Between Mesenchymal and Retinal Cells

This review highlights the significant role of the secretome, composed of soluble paracrine bioactive components and extracellular vesicles, in regenerative medicine, particularly focusing on the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and retinal cells. The secretome is crucial for immunomodulation and enhancing tissue survival and regeneration. The study emphasizes the cross-talk between MSCs and retinal cells, such as retinal pigment epithelium and Müller glia cells, which is vital for maintaining retinal integrity and function. The MSC secretome can protect retinal cells from degeneration by mitigating oxidative stress and cell death, while the retinal cell secretome can alter MSC gene expression and phenotype, suggesting a bidirectional modulation that could be beneficial in experimental therapies for retinal diseases.