The emerging roles of platelet-derived extracellular vesicles in disease

Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs) are nanoscale, membrane-bound vesicles released by platelets during activation or apoptosis. They contain various bioactive and non-bioactive molecules and play significant roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes through intercellular communication, thus attracting growing attention in biomedical research.

This review comprehensively overviews the biogenesis, clearance, and molecular characteristics of pEVs. It also covers current methodologies for their isolation and characterization. The therapeutic implications of pEVs in key clinical settings like tissue regeneration, hemostasis, immune modulation, and vascular repair, with a focus on cancer progression, wound healing, and hemorrhagic shock management, are explored. Their role in cellular signal transduction is examined, and their functional properties are compared with other platelet-derived products such as platelet-rich plasma.

pEVs show potential as both therapeutic agents and diagnostic biomarkers. They are involved in modulating inflammatory responses, promoting angiogenesis, and enhancing cellular repair mechanisms.

Future research should concentrate on optimizing their therapeutic efficacy, refining biomarker applications, and exploring targeted delivery strategies to fully utilize their potential in regenerative medicine, oncology, and hemostasis management.