Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
04:54
Author Spotlight: Standardizing and Improving the Extraction and Purification of Extracellular Vesicles from Human ADSCs
Published on: May 3, 2024
1.2K
Apoptotic Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: More Than Just Debris
1Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Frontiers in Immunology
|July 14, 2018
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from dying cells, particularly apoptotic bodies, play crucial roles in immune regulation. Understanding EV formation during apoptosis reveals key mechanisms of immune modulation by dying cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, from healthy cells are known for immune modulation.
- Apoptotic bodies and other EVs from dying cells are increasingly recognized for their biological significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immune regulatory roles of EVs produced during apoptosis.
- To explore the formation of EVs during apoptosis as a mechanism of immune modulation by dying cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on extracellular vesicles and apoptosis.
- Analysis of evidence for immune regulatory functions of apoptosis-derived EVs.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence suggests EVs from apoptotic cells possess significant immune regulatory functions.
- EVs released during apoptosis are key mediators of immune responses in various disease contexts.
Conclusions:
- The formation of EVs during apoptosis is a critical mechanism by which dying cells modulate the immune system.
- This process is relevant across diverse conditions such as autoimmunity, cancer, and infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
5.2K
Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized...
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized...
5.2K
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
8.7K
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
8.7K
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
8.7K
Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
8.7K
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
89.3K
Overview
89.3K
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
12.3K
Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
12.3K
01:05Insulin Secretory Vesicles
7.0K
Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
7.0K