[JoongAng Ilbo] Konkuk University Demonstrates Potential of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for Treating Obstructive Sialadenitis

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 at Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, and the StemExOne R&D team, has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived exosomes for obstructive sialadenitis.

Obstructive sialadenitis is an inflammatory condition of the salivary glands caused when the flow of saliva is blocked or reduced, often due to calcified deposits. The condition frequently occurs alongside chronic sialadenitis, and impaired salivary gland function can significantly reduce quality of life by affecting speech, digestion, and other daily activities.

Various approaches have been explored to restore salivary gland function, but current treatment options remain limited. These include medications that stimulate saliva secretion, such as pilocarpine, oral agents that relieve dry mouth, and in more severe cases, surgical removal of the affected salivary gland through a neck incision.

To explore a regenerative alternative, 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 those of umbilical cord-derived stem cells and, in some respects, superior to adipose tissue-derived stem cells, which are commonly used as a source of mesenchymal stem cells.

The study found that 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 the expression of aquaporin-5 (AQP5), a key water channel protein whose expression had been reduced by inflammation, back toward normal levels. In the mouse model, the treatment promoted salivary gland tissue regeneration and demonstrated the ability to regulate immune cell infiltration.

Prof. Cho said, “Stem cell-derived exosomes, with their excellent biocompatibility, are attracting significant attention for their therapeutic potential across a wide range of diseases. This study further demonstrates the broad potential of stem cell exosomes, and greater interest and support for translational research will be essential to move these findings toward clinical application.”

Prof. Lim added, “Stem cell-derived exosomes could be effectively combined with salivary gland endoscopy, potentially reducing the adverse effects associated with conventional drug therapy and surgery. We expect this approach to make a meaningful contribution to improving quality of life for 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 pharmacology, and were also selected for the Biological Research Information Center’s “Korean Scientists Who Shine” program.

The study’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.

StemExOne, which is involved in multiple government-funded projects focused on developing stem cell exosome therapeutics, also participated in the study and plans to continue efforts toward therapeutic development and commercialization.

Reporter Seo Myong-soo
seo.myongsoo@joongang.co.kr