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Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment
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Tiny Messengers, Huge Consequences: Extracellular Vesicles and mTOR Signaling in Neuroinflammation

P Garcia-Segura1, A Chicote-González1, A Espasa-Marco1

  • 1Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

Journal of Neurochemistry
|October 6, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and extracellular vesicles (EVs) interact bidirectionally, influencing neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). This complex relationship can promote neuroprotection or exacerbate neurodegeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Neuroinflammation is a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are critical regulators of cellular processes in the central nervous system (CNS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the bidirectional interactions between mTOR signaling and EVs in the CNS.
  • To elucidate the roles of this interaction in cellular communication, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on studies investigating mTOR and EVs in the CNS.
  • Analysis of the regulatory mechanisms governing EV biogenesis, cargo loading, and target cell modulation by mTOR.
  • Examination of how EVs influence mTOR activity in recipient cells.

Main Results:

  • mTOR signaling regulates the production and content of EVs.
  • EVs modulate mTOR activity in target cells, affecting neuronal survival and glial activation.
  • A feedback loop exists between mTOR and EVs, influencing inflammatory responses and neurotoxicity.

Conclusions:

  • The interplay between mTOR and EVs is a crucial determinant of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease progression.
  • Targeting the mTOR-EV axis offers potential therapeutic strategies for CNS disorders.
  • Understanding this bidirectional communication is vital for developing effective treatments for neurodegenerative conditions.
Keywords:
extracellular vesiclesneurodegenerationneuroinflammation

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