Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are revolutionizing our understanding of intercellular communication and their role in health and disease. It has been known for decades that cells release vesicles to the extracellular environment. Healthy cells also release vesicles has only recently been realized. EVs especially the Exosomes are showing promising potential with the advent of iPSCs now being used to derive the Exosomes.

Despite the confusion on nomenclature, EVs are classified into exosomes, microvesicles (MVs) and apoptotic bodies according to the cellular origin. They facilitate the intercellular communication between cells in close contiguity as well as distant cells.

Cutting-edge technologies and global strategies are under a highlight to harness EVs for treating tumors, degenerative disorders, and other diseases. We are witnessing organizations such as ISCT(International Society of Cellular Therapies), EU (European Union) Regulatory Bodies, ISEV (International Society for Extracellular Vesicles), have formed special committees to address this matter. They are focusing on the classification (exosomes, microvesicles, apoptotic bodies), role in immune modulation, cancer progression, and therapeutic innovation for neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases and inflammation.

The potential for immunotherapies is their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and their dual role in promoting or suppressing inflammation. But to harness the true potential we must understand the EV biology, learn about the classification, biogenesis, and functions of EVs in intercellular communication, examine the role of EVs in diseases.

Analysis is required to study the mechanism of action for tapping into the therapeutic application for, immune modulation, antigen presentation, antitumoral responses, immune suppression, tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic targeting.

For therapeutic applications EVs need be evaluated, tested, verified, validated and monitored to provide safe and effective therapies. However technologies to process, manufacture them involve complexity and sophisticated instrumentation and must be closely studied to address this unmet need.

Dimitrios Kouroupis MSc, PhD

Assistant Professor, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine

Appearances