Background: Exosomes from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are endosome-derived vesicles that have been shown to enhance functional recovery in rodent models of stroke.
Objective: Building on these findings, we tested exosomes as a treatment in monkeys with cortical injury.
Methods: After being trained on a task of fine motor function of the hand, monkeys received a cortical injury to the hand representation in primary motor cortex. Twenty-four hours later and again 14 days after injury, monkeys received exosomes or vehicle control. Recovery of motor function was followed for 12 weeks.
Results: Compared to monkeys that received vehicle, exosome treated monkeys returned to pre-operative grasp patterns and latency to retrieve a food reward in the first three-five weeks of recovery.
Conclusions: These results provide evidence that in monkeys exosomes delivered after cortical injury enhance recovery of motor function.
Keywords: Exosomes; cortical injury; recovery; rhesus monkey.