Extracellular vesicle (EV)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived, lipid-bilayer-enclosed particles that mediate paracrine signaling by transporting bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and various RNA species between cells (Kalluri & LeBleu, 2020, Science). They are classified into three main types—exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies—based on their size and biogenetic pathways (Théry et al., 2018, J Extracell Vesicles). In pathological contexts, EVs contribute to the progression of diseases like cancer by facilitating pre-metastatic niche formation and conferring drug resistance (Tsujimoto et al., 2022, Cancer Sci). As therapeutic targets, strategies focus on inhibiting their secretion or uptake to disrupt disease-promoting communication. Conversely, EVs are being engineered as drug delivery systems to leverage their natural ability to cross biological barriers and deliver therapeutic payloads with high specificity (Wiklander et al., 2015, Sci Transl Med). The input name 'Paracrine signaling via extracellular vesicles' refers to the biological process mediated by these vesicles rather than a single molecular target.

Other names

ExosomeMicrovesicleEctosomeApoptotic bodyOncosomeExtracellular membrane vesicle

Inhibition of vesicle biogenesis (e.g., via neutral sphingomyelinase inhibition), blockade of vesicle release (e.g., Rab GTPase inhibition), or utilization as a drug delivery vehicle for therapeutic cargo such as siRNA or small molecules.