Macrophage-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles in Multiple Diseases: Biogenesis, Function, and Therapeutic...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Extracellular Vesicles

Background:

• Macrophages (Mφs) are crucial immune cells involved in pathogen defense and various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and metabolic disorders.
• Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from Mφs (M-sEVs) are emerging as critical mediators of Mφ functions in disease pathogenesis.
• Understanding the role of M-sEVs is vital for comprehending Mφ-mediated physiological and pathological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of M-sEV production influenced by macrophage polarization.
• To summarize the diverse biological functions of M-sEVs across multiple disease contexts.
• To explore the potential applications of M-sEVs in disease diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies investigating M-sEV production and function.
• Analysis of macrophage polarization states and their impact on sEV release.
• Synthesis of data on M-sEVs' roles in cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and metabolic diseases.

Main Results:

• Macrophage polarization significantly influences the biogenesis and content of M-sEVs.
• M-sEVs exhibit varied biological functions, acting as key effectors in disease progression and resolution.
• Specific M-sEV subpopulations are associated with distinct disease phenotypes.

Conclusions:

• M-sEVs are critical mediators of macrophage functions, playing significant roles in a wide array of diseases.
• The production and function of M-sEVs are tightly regulated by macrophage polarization states.
• M-sEVs hold considerable promise as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and as novel therapeutic agents.