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Updated: Apr 7, 2026
Evaluation of the Storage Stability of Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: May 22, 2019
Extracellular vesicles as new pharmacological targets to treat atherosclerosis
Min Yin1, Xavier Loyer2, Chantal M Boulanger2
1INSERM UMR-S 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 56, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France; Université PAris Diderot, Paris 7, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Extracellular vesicles released by most cell types, include apoptotic bodies (ABs), microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes. They play a crucial role in physiology and pathology, contributing to "cell-to-cell" communication by modifying the phenotype and the function of target cells. Thus, extracellular vesicles participate in the key processes of atherosclerosis from endothelial dysfunction, vascular wall inflammation to vascular remodeling. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings on extracellular vesicle formation, structure, release and clearance. We focus on the deleterious and beneficial effects of extracellular vesicles in the development of atherosclerosis. The potential role of extracellular vesicles as biomarkers and pharmacological targets, their innate therapeutic capacity, or their use for novel drug delivery devices in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases will also be discussed.
Insights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate cell-to-cell communication and are implicated in atherosclerosis. This review covers EV roles, therapeutic potential, and use in drug delivery for cardiovascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes, are released by cells.
- EVs are key mediators of intercellular communication, influencing target cell phenotype and function.
- These vesicles play significant roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, involving endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and vascular remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the formation, structure, release, and clearance of EVs.
- To summarize the dual (deleterious and beneficial) effects of EVs in atherosclerosis development.
- To discuss the potential of EVs as biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and drug delivery systems for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on extracellular vesicles.
- Focus on studies investigating EV involvement in atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of EV characteristics, functions, and therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- EVs are integral to intercellular communication and contribute to atherosclerosis progression.
- EVs exhibit both detrimental and protective effects in the context of atherosclerosis.
- EVs show promise as biomarkers and therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular vesicles are critical players in the complex processes of atherosclerosis.
- Understanding EV biology offers new avenues for diagnosing and treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
- EVs hold significant potential for therapeutic strategies and advanced drug delivery systems.
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