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Isolation and Characterization of Microvesicles from Peripheral Blood
06:03

Isolation and Characterization of Microvesicles from Peripheral Blood

Published on: January 6, 2017

Microvesiculation and disease

Jameel M Inal1, Una Fairbrother, Sheelagh Heugh

  • 1Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Centre, School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB, UK. j.inal@londonmet.ac.uk

Biochemical Society Transactions
|January 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular vesicles, including microvesicles and exosomes, are key players in disease development and spread. Research is exploring their roles in cancer and infections for potential new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs), encompassing microvesicles and exosomes, are crucial for intercellular communication.
  • EVs play significant roles in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on the role of EVs in disease.
  • To explore the potential of EVs as therapeutic vehicles.
  • To bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo understanding of EV function in disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of research presented at the 'Microvesiculation and Disease' Focused Meeting.
  • Analysis of studies on HIV infection, kidney disease, and cancer.
  • Examination of EV-mediated immune cell function modulation in acute myeloid leukemia.

Main Results:

  • EVs are implicated in cancer tumorigenesis, metastasis, and infectious disease spread.
  • Tumor-derived exosomes can down-regulate immune cell functions.
  • EVs are involved in the pathophysiology of diverse diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Extracellular vesicles are vital mediators in disease processes.
  • Understanding EV roles in vitro is crucial for developing in vivo applications and therapies.
  • Further research into EVs holds promise for novel therapeutic strategies.

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