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Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Characterizing Extracellular Vesicles from Biological Fluids
Published on: February 28, 2025
Lymphatic and Blood Endothelial Extracellular Vesicles: A Story Yet to Be Written
Johanna Trisko1,2, Johanna Fleck1,2, Silvio Kau1,2,3
1Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, A-1200 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, are cell-derived, lipid bilayer-enclosed particles mediating intercellular communication and are therefore vital for transmitting a plethora of biological signals. The vascular endothelium substantially contributes to the circulating particulate secretome, targeting important signaling pathways that affect blood cells and regulate adaptation and plasticity of endothelial cells in a paracrine manner. Different molecular signatures and functional properties of endothelial cells reflect their heterogeneity among different vascular beds and drive current research to understand varying physiological and pathological effects of blood and lymphatic endothelial EVs. Endothelial EVs have been linked to the development and progression of various vascular diseases, thus having the potential to serve as biomarkers and clinical treatment targets. This review aims to provide a brief overview of the human vasculature, the biology of extracellular vesicles, and the current knowledge of endothelium-derived EVs, including their potential role as biomarkers in disease development.
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