Use of Allogeneic Extracellular Secretomes (EV)Derived From Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: a Phase I Open-label Safety Trial.

Vitiligo is an acquired chronic depigmenting disorder of the skin characterized by progressive loss of melanocytes from the epidermis. It clinically manifests as well- demarcated white macules and patches. It affects 0.5%-2% of the global population, irrespective of gender or ethnicity, with significant implications for quality of life (1, 2). The etiology of vitiligo is unknown but is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Genome-wide association studies have identified over 50 genetic loci associated with the disease, many of which are linked to immune regulation and melanocyte biology (3). Central to its pathogenesis is an autoimmune mechanism, where CD8+ T cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ and TNF-α, mediate melanocyte destruction (4). Oxidative stress and intrinsic melanocyte abnormalities exacerbate immune responses, perpetuating depigmentation. Vitiligo imposes a significant psychosocial burden due to its visible nature. Patients often experience stigmatization, low self-esteem, and anxiety, particularly in cultures where skin appearance is highly valued. Clinically, it is associated with autoimmune comorbidities, including thyroid dysfunction, alopecia areata, and type 1 diabetes, necessitating comprehensive care (5). Therapeutic approaches focus on stopping disease progression and promoting re- pigmentation. Topical steroids and calcineurin inhibitors are first-line treatments for localized disease (6). Narrowband UVB phototherapy remains the gold standard for extensive disease combined with topical agents to improve outcomes (7). Recent advancements in targeted therapies, such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, have shown promising results in clinical trials, particularly for immune- mediated processes (8). Surgical interventions, including melanocyte transplantation, are viable options for stable disease. Despite these advances, no curative therapy exists, and long-term management remains a challenge. Understanding the interaction of genetic, environmental, and immune mechanisms underlying vitiligo is essential for developing novel, effective treatments. Addressing its psychosocial burden is equally important to improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Extracellular secretomes ( extracellular vesicles "EV") derived from mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs) have been used in vitiligo in a mouse model. They have been

shown to modulate immune responses, suppress CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and promote melanocyte survival (9). In a vitiligo mouse model, EVs from human umbilical cord MSCs were found to cause re-pigmentation by restoring immune homeostasis and protecting melanocytes from apoptosis (9). These findings suggest that EVs could serve as a promising therapeutic tool for vitiligo, providing targeted modulation of immune and melanocyte dynamics in preclinical experiments. No published reports of EV being directly injected into vitiligo-affected areas in humans. This is the first work designed to explore the toxicity and adverse events of an allogeneic EV derived from hucmsc.