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Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment
10:09

Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment

Published on: June 2, 2020

Membrane-derived microvesicles: important and underappreciated mediators of cell-to-cell communication

J Ratajczak1, M Wysoczynski, F Hayek

  • 1The Stem Cell Biology Program, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. mzrata01@louisville.edu

Leukemia
|June 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Microvesicles (MV) are cell membrane fragments involved in cell communication and biological processes. This review explores their pleiotropic effects in carcinogenesis, immunity, and disease transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cells release microvesicles (MV), which are circular membrane fragments.
  • Unlike apoptotic bodies, MV from viable cells are smaller and lack fragmented DNA.
  • MV are increasingly recognized for their significant roles in biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pleiotropic effects of microvesicles.
  • To highlight the role of MV in intercellular communication.
  • To discuss MV involvement in various physiological and pathological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of experimental evidence on microvesicles.
  • Analysis of MV composition and function.
  • Synthesis of data on MV roles in different biological systems.

Main Results:

  • MV act as signaling complexes, stimulating cells directly.
  • MV facilitate intercellular transfer of molecules like proteins, mRNA, and organelles.
  • MV can deliver infectious agents, including viruses and prions, into cells.

Conclusions:

  • Microvesicles are crucial mediators of cell-to-cell communication.
  • MV play significant roles in carcinogenesis, coagulation, and immune responses.
  • MV influence cellular susceptibility to infections by retroviruses and prions.

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