Oral Progenitor Cell Line-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles as a Treatment for Preferential Wound Healing Outcome

Scar formation during wound repair can be devastating for affected individuals. Our group previously documented the therapeutic potential of novel progenitor cell populations from the non-scarring buccal mucosa. These Oral Mucosa Lamina Propria-Progenitor Cells (OMLP-PCs) are multipotent, immunosuppressive, and antibacterial. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) may play important roles in stem cell–mediated repair in varied settings; hence, we investigated sEVs from this source for wound repair. We created an hTERT immortalized OMLP-PC line (OMLP-PC(L)) and confirmed retention of morphology, lineage plasticity, surface markers, and functional properties. sEVs isolated from OMLP-PC(L) were analyzed by nanoparticle tracking analysis, Cryo-EM and flow cytometry. Compared to bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC) sEVs, OMLP-PC(L) sEVs were more potent at driving wound healing functions, including cell proliferation and wound repopulation and downregulated myofibroblast formation. A reduced scarring potential was further demonstrated in a preclinical in vivo model. Manipulation of OMLP-PC(L) sEVs may provide novel options for non-scarring wound healing in clinical settings.