Radiation-induced small extracellular vesicle (RI-sEV)

Radiation-induced small extracellular vesicles (RI-sEVs) are nano-sized (50–200 nm), membrane-bound particles secreted by cells following exposure to ionizing radiation [1, 4]. They serve as critical mediators of the radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE), a phenomenon where non-irradiated cells exhibit damage after receiving signals from irradiated neighbors [11, 13]. RI-sEVs transport a diverse cargo of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (such as miRNAs and circRNAs) that can modulate the tumor microenvironment, promote radioresistance, and facilitate the formation of pre-metastatic niches [11, 14]. In clinical contexts, they are investigated as biomarkers for radiation exposure and as therapeutic targets to mitigate the adverse effects of radiotherapy, such as lung injury and fibrosis [3, 6, 8]. Conversely, RI-sEVs can be engineered or derived from stem cells to deliver regenerative factors, acting as cell-free therapies to promote tissue repair [7, 10]. They may also function as in situ vaccines by delivering tumor-associated antigens to the immune system [1, 12]. Their dual role as both drivers of radiation-induced pathology and potential vehicles for therapy makes them a significant focus in modern radiation oncology and drug development [1, 10].

Other names

Radiation-induced exosomeRI-exosomeRadiation-induced extracellular vesicleIrradiated cell-derived extracellular vesicle8 Gy-sEV

Inhibition of vesicle biogenesis and secretion via targeting neutral sphingomyelinases or Rab GTPases; Neutralization of pro-tumorigenic cargo; Delivery of regenerative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory bioactive molecules to irradiated tissues to promote repair.