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Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment
Published on: June 2, 2020
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Extracellular vesicles shuffling intercellular messages: for good or for bad
Alessandra Lo Cicero1, Philip D Stahl2, Graça Raposo1
1Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-75248 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR144, Structure and Membrane Compartments, Paris F-75248, France.
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|May 23, 2015
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for intercellular communication, originating from plasma membrane blebbing or multivesicular endosomes. Research is advancing to understand and modulate EV composition, secretion, and targeting for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication across diverse organisms.
- EVs encompass exosomes and microvesicles, varying in size (30-1000nm+) and biogenesis pathways.
- EVs contain proteins, lipids, and RNAs, with composition dependent on their origin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the conserved process of extracellular vesicle release.
- To highlight the heterogeneity in EV formation, size, and composition.
- To underscore the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of EVs.
Main Methods:
- Review of established mechanisms for EV biogenesis (plasma membrane vs. endosomes).
- Analysis of EV composition based on site of origin.
- Exploration of EV roles in physiological and pathological processes.
Main Results:
- EVs are generated via distinct mechanisms: plasma membrane blebbing (microvesicles) and endosomal pathway (exosomes).
- EV cargo (proteins, lipids, RNAs) varies with biogenesis site, leading to heterogeneity.
- EVs are implicated in numerous physiological and pathological contexts.
Conclusions:
- Understanding EV biogenesis is key to their heterogeneity.
- EVs hold significant promise for therapeutic and diagnostic advancements.
- Further research into EV modulators is essential for harnessing their potential.
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