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Updated: Aug 27, 2025
Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment
Published on: June 2, 2020
The multiple faces of extracellular vesicles released by microglia: Where are we 10 years after?
Martina Gabrielli1, Stefano Raffaele2, Marta Fumagalli2
1CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
Abstract:
As resident component of the innate immunity in the central nervous system (CNS), microglia are key players in pathology. However, they also exert fundamental roles in brain development and homeostasis maintenance. They are extremely sensitive and plastic, as they assiduously monitor the environment, adapting their function in response to stimuli. On consequence, microglia may be defined a heterogeneous community of cells in a dynamic equilibrium. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by microglia mirror the dynamic nature of their donor cells, exerting important and versatile functions in the CNS as unbounded conveyors of bioactive signals. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on EVs released by microglia, highlighting their heterogeneous properties and multifaceted effects.
Insights
Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are crucial for brain function. This review explores the diverse roles and properties of these microglia-derived EVs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS).
- They play critical roles in brain development, homeostasis, and pathology.
- Microglia are highly plastic and responsive to their environment, forming a dynamic cell community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by microglia.
- To highlight the heterogeneous properties of these microglia-derived EVs.
- To discuss the multifaceted effects of these EVs in the CNS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microglia and extracellular vesicles.
- Analysis of research on the functions and characteristics of microglia-derived EVs.
- Synthesis of current understanding regarding EV heterogeneity and CNS roles.
Main Results:
- Microglia-derived EVs are heterogeneous, reflecting the dynamic state of their parent cells.
- These EVs act as versatile conveyors of bioactive signals within the CNS.
- EVs from microglia influence various CNS processes, including development, homeostasis, and disease.
Conclusions:
- Microglia-derived EVs are key mediators of intercellular communication in the CNS.
- Their diverse nature contributes to their wide-ranging functions.
- Further research into microglia-derived EVs can reveal novel therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.
