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Updated: Jul 3, 2025

Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment
Published on: June 2, 2020
Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Immunity and Host Defense
Puja Kumari1, Skylar S Wright1, Vijay A Rathinam1
1Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.
Abstract:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound structures released by cells and have become significant players in immune system functioning, primarily by facilitating cell-to-cell communication. Immune cells like neutrophils and dendritic cells release EVs containing bioactive molecules that modulate chemotaxis, activate immune cells, and induce inflammation. EVs also contribute to antigen presentation, lymphocyte activation, and immune tolerance. Moreover, EVs play pivotal roles in antimicrobial host defense. They deliver microbial antigens to antigen-presenting cells (APCs), triggering immune responses, or act as decoys to neutralize virulence factors and toxins. This review discusses host and microbial EVs' multifaceted roles in innate and adaptive immunity, highlighting their involvement in immune cell development, antigen presentation, and antimicrobial responses.
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