MSCs and MSC-Exos in pediatric ARDS treatment: translational research and the reshaping of nursing roles.

Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition with high mortality and limited conventional treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are special cells that can develop into a variety of cell types, and their tiny vesicles called exosomes (MSC-Exos), are highly promising cell-based therapies for pediatric ARDS because of their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and tissue-repair functions. This review summarizes current knowledge on MSCs and MSC-Exos in ARDS, including recent progress in studies before human trials and in actual patient trials. It focuses on challenges, needed competency changes, and how nursing roles are evolving in this new therapeutic field. The discussion provides a theoretical foundation for developing a nursing framework to support and enhance patient care with advanced cell therapies.