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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
10:09
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: How the External and Internal Environment Can Shape Cell-To-Cell Communication
Kristof Y Neven1, Tim S Nawrot1, Valentina Bollati2
1Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
Current Environmental Health Reports
|January 25, 2017
Summary
Environmental exposures, such as air pollution and lifestyle factors, alter extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs play a role in biological aging and may offer future diagnostic potential for environmental health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular vesicle (EV) research is rapidly advancing.
- Limited studies explore EV roles in environmental response and adaptation.
- EVs are found in easily obtainable biological fluids, showing potential for diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review scientific evidence on environmental exposures affecting EV release and contents.
- To examine the role of EVs in biological aging influenced by environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing scientific investigations.
- Analysis of studies on environmental stimuli and EV modification.
Main Results:
- Identified environmental factors influencing EV trafficking: air pollutants, smoking, alcohol, obesity, nutrition, exercise, and oxidative stress.
- EVs are implicated in the aging phenotype due to environmental influences.
Conclusions:
- EVs are promising biomarkers for early detection of environmentally induced alterations and disease prediction.
- Further research into EVs can advance preventive and diagnostic strategies in environmental health.
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