Immune Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles – Functions and Therapeutic Applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized vesicles with the capacity to transfer nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, and are released by all cells. EV is an umbrella term for exosomes originating from the endosomal compartment, microvesicles from the cell membrane, and apoptotic bodies released during apoptosis. EVs are being investigated for their role in health and disease, and as potential biomarkers, with newly developed FDA-approved assays reaching the market. Currently, both academic institutions and industrial ventures are developing clinical trials to use EVs in diseases such as cancer, graft-versus-host disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review describes and discusses current understanding of the functions of immune cell-derived exosomes and microvesicles, and how they might be explored for immunotherapy.