Intratracheal administration of mesenchymal stem cells ameliorates hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation: the critical role of Aldh1a2

• UCMSCs attenuate hyperoxia-induced BPD by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. • Aldh1a2 is a key differentially expressed gene in UCMSC-mediated lung repair, with its overexpression mimicking UCMSC benefits. • Aldh1a2 overexpression inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β release, improving alveolar and vascular outcomes in neonatal rats. • Intratracheal UCMSC delivery or Aldh1a2 overexpression may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for BPD.