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Updated: Dec 3, 2025
Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment
Published on: June 2, 2020
Macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles: diverse mediators of pathology and therapeutics in multiple diseases
Yizhuo Wang1, Meng Zhao1, Shuyun Liu1,2
1Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Regenerative Medicine Research Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
Macrophages (Mφ) are primary innate immune cells that exhibit diverse functions in response to different pathogens or stimuli, and they are extensively involved in the pathology of various diseases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles released by live cells. As vital messengers, macrophage-derived EVs (Mφ-EVs) can transfer multiple types of bioactive molecules from macrophages to recipient cells, modulating the biological function of recipient cells. In recent years, Mφ-EVs have emerged as vital mediators not only in the pathology of multiple diseases such as inflammatory diseases, fibrosis and cancers, but also as mediators of beneficial effects in immunoregulation, cancer therapy, infectious defense, and tissue repair. Although many investigations have been performed to explore the diverse functions of Mφ-EVs in disease pathology and intervention, few studies have comprehensively summarized their detailed biological roles as currently understood. In this review, we briefly introduced an overview of macrophage and EV biology, and primarily focusing on current findings and future perspectives with respect to the pathological and therapeutic effects of Mφ-EVs in various diseases.
Insights
Macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (Mφ-EVs) are key cell communicators involved in disease and healing. This review summarizes their roles in various conditions and therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Macrophages (Mφ) are crucial innate immune cells with diverse functions.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived messengers transferring bioactive molecules.
- Macrophage-derived EVs (Mφ-EVs) play significant roles in intercellular communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive summary of Mφ-EVs' biological roles.
- To highlight Mφ-EVs' involvement in disease pathology and therapeutic applications.
- To discuss current findings and future perspectives on Mφ-EVs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on Mφ-EVs.
- Analysis of Mφ-EVs' functions in various disease models.
- Synthesis of data on Mφ-EVs' pathological and therapeutic effects.
Main Results:
- Mφ-EVs are implicated in inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, and cancers.
- Mφ-EVs demonstrate beneficial effects in immunoregulation, cancer therapy, and tissue repair.
- Mφ-EVs act as vital mediators in diverse biological processes.
Conclusions:
- Mφ-EVs are critical mediators in both disease progression and therapeutic interventions.
- Further research into Mφ-EVs holds significant promise for novel treatment strategies.
- Understanding Mφ-EV biology is essential for harnessing their full therapeutic potential.
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