Cardiovascular Biologics in Action: Stem Cell-Mediated Vascular Repair from Bench to Bedside

Vascular disease represents a major contributor to global cardiovascular mortality, characterized by structural and functional impairments of the vascular network. Despite advances in medical devices and pharmacotherapy, conventional interventions often fail to regenerate viable, functional vessels or to halt progressive tissue damage. In recent years, stem cell-based biologics—encompassing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)—have emerged as promising candidates for vascular repair. Preclinical studies have demonstrated their potential to restore endothelial function, modulate inflammation, and promote angiogenesis. However, the field still confronts significant translational barriers: variability in cell sources, incomplete understanding of molecular integration mechanisms, and limited clinical scalability. Bridging these gaps calls for a deeper exploration of therapeutic mechanisms, safety frameworks, and strategies for reproducible, large-scale application of cardiovascular regenerative therapies.This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding and application of stem cell-based biologics for vascular repair, integrating insights from basic biology, bioengineering, and clinical translation. It seeks to clarify how cellular and cell-free components mediate vascular regeneration, explore optimized delivery systems, and promote harmonization between preclinical findings and early-phase clinical outcomes. Key goals include identifying biomarkers for therapeutic efficacy, elucidating paracrine and extracellular vesicle–based communication in vascular repair, and addressing manufacturing challenges to ensure the safety, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance of emerging cardiac and vascular biologics.The Research Topic covers experimental, translational, and clinical studies centered on stem cell–based cardiovascular therapeutics, with particular emphasis on mechanistic and applied perspectives. To gather further insights into how biologically driven vascular repair can be advanced from laboratory discovery to patient benefit, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Cellular mechanisms of MSC, EPC, and iPSC vascular integration and repairo Paracrine and extracellular vesicle signaling in angiogenesis and vascular remodelingo Bioengineering and delivery systems for scalable and targeted therapy developmento Translational models bridging preclinical efficacy and clinical trialso Safety profiling, immunogenic response, and regulatory frameworks for cardiovascular biologicsArticle types: Original research, systematic reviews, and clinical perspectives. Topic editors: Francesca Pagano, Ming He, Meng Xiang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83135/cardiovascular-biologics-in-action-stem-cell-mediated-vascular-repair-from-bench-to-bedside