Multiple immune cell populations and cytokine pathways via EV cargo transfer (EV-mediated immune modulation)

Multiple immune cell populations and cytokine pathways via EV cargo transfer refers to the biological process where extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes and microvesicles, serve as mediators of intercellular communication within the immune system. These vesicles transport a diverse array of bioactive cargo, including proteins, lipids, and various RNA species, from donor cells to recipient immune cells like T cells, B cells, and macrophages (Robbins & Morelli, 2014, Nature Reviews Immunology). Upon uptake, the EV cargo modulates intracellular signaling pathways and cytokine production, thereby influencing the overall immune landscape (Wiklander et al., 2019, Science Advances). In pathological states like cancer, tumor-derived EVs can deliver immunosuppressive signals to promote immune evasion, while in inflammatory diseases, they can amplify pro-inflammatory cytokine cascades (Théry et al., 2018, Journal of Extracellular Vesicles). This mechanism is currently being leveraged in drug development through the creation of engineered EVs designed to deliver therapeutic payloads to specific immune cell subsets (Codiak BioSciences). However, because this entry describes a complex physiological pathway involving multiple molecular components rather than a single protein or receptor, it is classified as a biological mechanism rather than a discrete therapeutic target.

Other names

Extracellular vesicle-mediated signalingExosome-mediated immune regulationEV-mediated intercellular communicationParacrine signaling via extracellular vesicles

Modulation of immune cell phenotypes and cytokine signaling through the horizontal transfer of bioactive molecular cargo (proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) encapsulated within extracellular vesicles.