[Medical Today] Konkuk University Research Team Demonstrates Potential of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for Treating Obstructive Sialadenitis

▲ From left: Prof. Ssang-Goo Cho, Prof. Jae-Yeol Lim, Dr. Kyung Min Lim, and Research Prof. Dong-Hyun Kim
Photo courtesy of Konkuk University

[Medical Today, Reporter Lee Han-hee] A research team led by Prof. Ssang-Goo Cho of Konkuk University’s KU Institute of Science and Technology and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, in collaboration with Prof. Jae-Yeol Lim’s team from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, and the StemExOne R&D team, has demonstrated the potential of stem cell-derived exosomes for treating obstructive sialadenitis.

Obstructive sialadenitis is an inflammatory condition of the salivary glands that occurs when the flow of saliva is blocked or slowed by calcified deposits such as salivary stones. It is often accompanied by chronic sialadenitis, and when salivary gland function declines, patients may experience difficulty speaking, impaired digestion, and limitations in daily activities, significantly reducing quality of life.

Although various studies have sought to restore impaired salivary gland function, conventional treatment options remain largely limited to medications such as pilocarpine, which stimulates saliva secretion, oral agents that relieve dry mouth, or surgical removal of the salivary gland through an incision in the neck.

To explore a regenerative treatment approach, the joint research team isolated exosomes from salivary gland-derived stem cells and evaluated their effects in three-dimensional salivary gland organoids that preserve key glandular functions, as well as in a mouse disease model.

Salivary gland-derived stem cells showed characteristics comparable to umbilical cord tissue-derived stem cells and, in some respects, advantages over adipose tissue-derived stem cells, which are commonly used as a source of mesenchymal stem cells. According to the study, exosomes secreted by salivary gland-derived stem cells demonstrated a higher uptake rate in salivary gland epithelial cells than exosomes derived from umbilical cord stem cells.

In the organoid model, the exosomes restored expression of aquaporin-5 (AQP5), a key water-channel protein whose expression had been reduced by inflammation, to near-normal levels. In the mouse model, they also demonstrated the ability to promote salivary gland tissue regeneration and regulate immune cell infiltration.

Prof. Cho said, “Stem cell-derived exosomes are attracting significant attention because of their excellent biocompatibility and therapeutic potential across a wide range of diseases. These findings further demonstrate the broad potential of stem cell exosomes, and continued interest and support for translational research will be essential to advance the technology toward clinical application.”

Prof. Lim said, “Stem cell-derived exosomes could be effectively used in combination with salivary gland endoscopy, potentially reducing the adverse effects associated with drug therapy and surgery. We expect this approach to make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of many patients in an aging society.”

The findings were published in the Journal of Controlled Release (Impact Factor 11.467), an internationally recognized journal ranked within the top 5% in the pharmaceutical sciences, and were also featured in the Biological Research Information Center’s “Korean Scientists Who Shine” program.

The paper’s co-first authors were Dr. Kyung Min Lim of Konkuk University and Research Prof. Dong-Hyun Kim of Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, while Prof. Ssang-Goo Cho and Prof. Jae-Yeol Lim served as corresponding authors.

Medical Today / Reporter Lee Han-hee
hnhn0414@mdtoday.co.kr