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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
Evaluation of the Storage Stability of Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: May 22, 2019
Large Extracellular Vesicles: Have We Found the Holy Grail of Inflammation?
Artur Słomka1, Sabine Katharina Urban2, Veronika Lukacs-Kornek3
1Department of Pathophysiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Abstract:
The terms microparticles (MPs) and microvesicles (MVs) refer to large extracellular vesicles (EVs) generated from a broad spectrum of cells upon its activation or death by apoptosis. The unique surface antigens of MPs/MVs allow for the identification of their cellular origin as well as its functional characterization. Two basic aspects of MP/MV functions in physiology and pathological conditions are widely considered. Firstly, it has become evident that large EVs have strong procoagulant properties. Secondly, experimental and clinical studies have shown that MPs/MVs play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of inflammation-associated disorders. A cardinal feature of these disorders is an enhanced generation of platelets-, endothelial-, and leukocyte-derived EVs. Nevertheless, anti-inflammatory effects of miscellaneous EV types have also been described, which provided important new insights into the large EV-inflammation axis. Advances in understanding the biology of MPs/MVs have led to the preparation of this review article aimed at discussing the association between large EVs and inflammation, depending on their cellular origin.
Insights
Microparticles (MPs) and microvesicles (MVs), large extracellular vesicles (EVs), are involved in inflammation and blood clotting. Their origin and function are key to understanding inflammatory disorders.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) and microvesicles (MVs) are large extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by activated or apoptotic cells.
- Their surface antigens indicate cellular origin and functional roles.
- MPs/MVs are implicated in both procoagulant activities and the pathophysiology of inflammation-associated disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between large EVs (MPs/MVs) and inflammation.
- To discuss the role of MPs/MVs in inflammation based on their cellular origin.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and clinical studies.
- Analysis of the biological roles of MPs/MVs in physiological and pathological conditions.
Main Results:
- Large EVs exhibit significant procoagulant properties.
- MPs/MVs play a critical role in inflammation-associated disorders, with increased generation from platelets, endothelial cells, and leukocytes.
- Diverse EV types also demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting the complex EV-inflammation axis.
Conclusions:
- The cellular origin of MPs/MVs influences their role in inflammation.
- Understanding the large EV-inflammation axis is crucial for therapeutic strategies in inflammatory diseases.
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