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Overview of Exosomes

Overview of Exosomes

Exosomes are stable, lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles capable of crossing biological barriers. They can carry a wide range of molecules required for intercellular communication. Once exosomes are released from the cell where they originated, they enter a recipient cell through various pathways such as fusion, receptor-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis.
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis for the Quantification and Size Determination of Extracellular Vesicles

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis for the Quantification and Size Determination of Extracellular Vesicles

Published on: March 28, 2021

Exosomes: nanodust?

¹Department of Biomedicine and Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Basel and Center for Biomedicine, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland. laurent.muller@usb.ch.

|January 24, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Exosomes, once dismissed, are now recognized as key biological messengers with immunomodulatory roles. This evolving understanding highlights their potential in oncology diagnostics and therapeutics.

Keywords:

Extracellular vesicles Immunomodulation Medical oncology Microscopy, electron Nanoparticles

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Sample Preparation and Imaging of Exosomes by Transmission Electron Microscopy

Sample Preparation and Imaging of Exosomes by Transmission Electron Microscopy

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Last Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis for the Quantification and Size Determination of Extracellular Vesicles

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Using Nanoplasmon-Enhanced Scattering and Low-Magnification Microscope Imaging to Quantify Tumor-Derived Exosomes

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Sample Preparation and Imaging of Exosomes by Transmission Electron Microscopy

Sample Preparation and Imaging of Exosomes by Transmission Electron Microscopy

Published on: January 4, 2018

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Nanotechnology

Background:

Exosomes were historically overlooked, considered artifacts in electron microscopy.
Recent research has established exosomes as crucial nanoparticles involved in intercellular communication.
Their function has shifted from cellular debris to active participants in a broader biological messaging system.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the evolving understanding of exosome formation, release, and function.
To highlight the immunomodulatory properties of exosomes.
To underscore the significance of exosomes in oncology for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

Review of recent scientific literature on exosome biology.
Analysis of studies demonstrating exosome-mediated intercellular signaling.
Examination of research on exosome immunomodulatory effects.

Main Results:

Exosomes are now understood as selectively secreted, biologically active nanoparticles.
Exosomes play a significant role in modulating immune responses.
Exosomes exhibit considerable potential as biomarkers and therapeutic agents in cancer research.

Conclusions:

The perception of exosomes has transformed from cellular waste to vital signaling components.
Exosomes represent a promising frontier for advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Further research into exosome biology is crucial for unlocking their full clinical potential.