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Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising seed cells for neural regeneration therapy owing to their plasticity and accessibility. They possess several inherent characteristics advantageous for the transplantation-based treatment of neurological disorders, including neural differentiation, immunosuppression, neurotrophy, and safety. However, the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs alone remains unsatisfactory in most cases. To improve some of their abilities, many studies have employed genetic engineering to transfer key genes into MSCs. Both viral and nonviral methods can be used to overexpress therapeutic proteins that complement the inherent properties. However, to date, different modes of gene transfer have specific drawbacks and advantages. In addition, MSCs can be functionalized through targeted gene modification to facilitate neural repair by promoting neural differentiation, enhancing neurotrophic and neuroprotective functions, and increasing survival and homing abilities. The methods of gene transfer and selection of delivered genes still need to be optimized for improved therapeutic and targeting efficacies while minimizing the loss of MSC function. In this review, we focus on gene transport technologies for engineering MSCs and the application of strategies for selecting optimal delivery genes. Further, we describe the prospects and challenges of their application in animal models of different neurological lesions to broaden treatment alternatives for neurological diseases.

Burns not only damage the skin barrier, but also cause a series of inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress states. Among them, elderly patients are prone to suffer severe burns due to degenerative changes of their skin caused by aging factors, such as atrophy and thinning, etc. After burns, the body will continuously release inflammatory factors, resulting in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and oxidative stress, which are related to the poor treatment effect and the poor prognosis of elderly burn patients. It seems to be difficult for conventional treatments to control the disease development of elderly burn patients effectively. Considering the rapidly increasing elderly population, it is priority to understand the pathological process and the mechanisms to formulate more appropriate treatment strategies for elderly burn patients. In recent years, owing to considerable advances in nanotechnology, a variety of nanomaterials have been developed for wound healing and inflammation regulation. Its good biocompatibility, cell proliferation stimulation and antibacterial properties make the clinical treatment strategy more optimized. Concurrently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have also been used in the burns field and have been proven effective in not only controlling the level of inflammation and regulating the systemic immune balance, but also promoting wound healing and vascularization. Here, this review covers burns classification, the pathological process of elderly burn patients, and the research progress of nanotechnology and MSCs in burns. Eventually, we summarize the advantages and challenges of emerging strategies such as nanotechnology and MSCs in the treatment of elderly burn patients, expecting to promote the clinical transformation.