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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

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Characterizing Extracellular Vesicles from Biological Fluids
Published on: February 28, 2025
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Apoptotic extracellular vesicles: unveiling mechanisms, diverse functions, and biomedical implications
Xuan Li1, Keyu Wang1, Caining Wen1,2
1Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China.
Apoptosis : an International Journal on Programmed Cell Death
|February 20, 2026
Summary
Apoptotic extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs) are vital signaling platforms released during apoptosis. These vesicles influence tissue homeostasis, immune responses, and disease progression, offering therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Apoptotic extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs) were previously considered cellular debris.
- Emerging research identifies ApoEVs as active signaling vesicles released during apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the biogenesis, molecular regulation, and characteristics of ApoEVs.
- To highlight the roles of ApoEVs in physiological homeostasis and disease pathogenesis.
- To explore the translational potential of ApoEVs in various clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of ApoEVs.
- Analysis of molecular signatures and surface properties of ApoEVs.
- Examination of ApoEVs' roles in intercellular communication and disease.
Main Results:
- ApoEVs possess unique molecular signatures and surface properties.
- ApoEVs actively participate in apoptotic corpse clearance and immune modulation.
- ApoEVs mediate intercellular crosstalk, influencing tissue repair and disease.
Conclusions:
- ApoEVs are crucial signaling platforms with multifaceted roles in health and disease.
- ApoEVs demonstrate significant translational potential for treating conditions like immune disorders, osteoporosis, skin injury, and cancer.
- Further research is needed to bridge fundamental ApoEV biology with clinical applications.
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