 The caduceus trial showed that cardiosphere-derived cells, CDCs, may be able to regenerate injured heart muscle previously thought to be permanently scarred, and the mechanisms of benefit are indirect, but the mediators have yet to be identified. Exosomes secreted by human CDCs were found to be critical agents of regeneration and cardioprotection, inhibiting apoptosis and promoting proliferation of cardiomyocytes while enhancing angiogenesis. Injection of exosomes into injured mouse hearts recapitulates the regenerative and functional effects produced by CDC transplantation, whereas inhibition of exosome production blocks those benefits. Exosomes contain a distinctive complement of microRNAs, with particular enrichment of Mir 146a. Selective administration of a Mir 146a mimic reproduces some, but not all of the benefits of CDC exosomes, highlighting their potential utility as self-retherapeutic candidates. This article was authored by Ahmed Gamal Eldin Ibrahim, Kucheng, and Eduardo Marbin. We are article.tv, links in the description below.