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Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment
Published on: June 2, 2020
Microglia extracellular vesicles: focus on molecular composition and biological function
Lorenzo Ceccarelli1, Chiara Giacomelli1, Laura Marchetti1
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous family of cell-derived lipid bounded vesicles comprising exosomes and microvesicles. They are potentially produced by all types of cells and are used as a cell-to-cell communication method that allows protein, lipid, and genetic material exchange. Microglia cells produce a large number of EVs both in resting and activated conditions, in the latter case changing their production and related biological effects. Several actions of microglia in the central nervous system are ascribed to EVs, but the molecular mechanisms by which each effect occurs are still largely unknown. Conflicting functions have been ascribed to microglia-derived EVs starting from the neuronal support and ending with the propagation of inflammation and neurodegeneration, confirming the crucial role of these organelles in tuning brain homeostasis. Despite the increasing number of studies reported on microglia-EVs, there is also a lot of fragmentation in the knowledge on the mechanism at the basis of their production and modification of their cargo. In this review, a collection of literature data about the surface and cargo proteins and lipids as well as the miRNA content of EVs produced by microglial cells has been reported. A special highlight was given to the works in which the EV molecular composition is linked to a precise biological function.
Insights
Microglia cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that mediate cell communication in the brain. This review details the molecular makeup of microglia-derived EVs and their diverse roles in brain function and disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of intercellular communication, facilitating the exchange of proteins, lipids, and genetic material.
- Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, produce EVs, with altered production and function observed under activated conditions.
- The precise molecular mechanisms and functional consequences of microglia-derived EVs remain incompletely understood, despite their implicated roles in both neuronal support and neurodegeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate and review existing literature on the molecular composition of microglia-derived EVs.
- To correlate the molecular characteristics (surface and cargo proteins, lipids, miRNAs) of these EVs with their specific biological functions.
- To highlight the fragmentation in current knowledge regarding EV production and cargo modification in microglia.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search and data compilation on microglia-derived EVs.
- Analysis of reported studies focusing on the molecular composition of EVs.
- Correlation of molecular data with described biological functions.
Main Results:
- Microglia-derived EVs exhibit diverse molecular profiles, including specific surface and cargo proteins, lipids, and miRNA content.
- These molecular components are linked to a range of biological functions, from neuroprotection to the propagation of inflammation and neurodegeneration.
- Significant variability exists in reported EV composition and function, reflecting the complexity of microglia activation states.
Conclusions:
- Microglia-derived EVs play a critical role in modulating brain homeostasis, with their functions dictated by their molecular composition.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of EV production and cargo regulation in microglia.
- Understanding microglia-EV molecular composition is crucial for deciphering their dual roles in health and disease.
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