Extracellular vesicle uptake pathway (EV uptake)

Extracellular vesicle (EV) uptake pathways refer to the collective biological processes by which recipient cells internalize membrane-bound vesicles, such as exosomes and microvesicles, to facilitate intercellular communication (Mulcahy et al., 2014, Journal of Extracellular Vesicles). These pathways are not defined by a single receptor but involve diverse mechanisms including clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-dependent endocytosis, macropinocytosis, phagocytosis, and direct plasma membrane fusion (van Niel et al., 2018, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). EVs serve as vehicles for the horizontal transfer of functional proteins, lipids, and various RNA species (mRNA, miRNA), which can significantly alter the physiological state of the recipient cell (Kalluri & LeBleu, 2020, Science). In pathological contexts, such as oncology, EV uptake is exploited by tumor cells to promote angiogenesis, remodel the extracellular matrix, and establish pre-metastatic niches. While these pathways are currently a major focus for developing targeted drug delivery systems, the lack of a single, universal uptake molecule makes them a complex and non-specific therapeutic target.

Other names

Exosome uptakeMicrovesicle internalizationEV-mediated cargo deliveryExtracellular vesicle endocytosis

Modulation of cellular internalization mechanisms, such as endocytosis or membrane fusion, to either inhibit the spread of pathological signals or facilitate the delivery of therapeutic cargo contained within vesicles.