Research on extracellular vesicles including exosomes, microvesicles, and their roles in intercellular communication and disease

Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Biology

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a critical role in cancer biology, particularly in the context of metastasis and immune evasion. Lucotti et al. demonstrated that small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) secreted by CXCL13-reprogrammed interstitial macrophages in the lung microenvironment contribute to cancer-associated thrombosis and metastasis, highlighting the significance of the pro-thrombotic niche in multiple cancers (ref: Lucotti doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2025.01.025/). In a contrasting study, Freitas-Cortez et al. explored how cancer cells evade ferroptosis, a form of cell death induced by immune cells, by upregulating fatty acid binding proteins, thus allowing tumors to resist immune-mediated attacks (ref: Freitas-Cortez doi.org/10.1186/s12943-024-02198-2/). This underscores the complex interplay between cancer cells and the immune system, where EVs can either facilitate tumor progression or serve as mediators of immune responses. Furthermore, Ma et al. found that tumor-derived PD-L1 in EVs promotes T cell senescence through lipid metabolism reprogramming, suggesting that EVs can modulate immune cell functionality and contribute to the challenges faced in cancer immunotherapy (ref: Ma doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.adm7269/). The studies collectively emphasize the dual role of EVs in cancer, acting as both facilitators of tumor progression and potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Extracellular Vesicles and Immune Modulation

The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in immune modulation is increasingly recognized, with studies revealing their potential in both promoting and resolving inflammation. Hsu et al. identified a novel class of large aging-neutrophil-derived vesicles (LAND-Vs) that actively contribute to inflammation resolution, challenging the traditional view of neutrophils as solely pro-inflammatory agents (ref: Hsu doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2025.01.021/). This finding is complemented by Ma et al., who demonstrated that tumor-derived PD-L1 in EVs can induce T cell senescence, thereby impairing anti-tumor immunity and highlighting the immunosuppressive capabilities of cancer-derived EVs (ref: Ma doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.adm7269/). Additionally, Ju et al. developed a liquid biopsy assay utilizing EVs to monitor B7-H3 expression in prostate cancer, showcasing the potential of EVs as biomarkers for cancer progression and treatment response (ref: Ju doi.org/10.1016/j.drup.2025.101207/). The interplay between EVs and immune cells presents a complex landscape where EVs can either enhance immune responses or contribute to immune evasion, indicating their potential as therapeutic targets in cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Extracellular Vesicles in Metabolic Disorders

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as key players in metabolic disorders, particularly in the context of cancer and liver diseases. Yan et al. reported that exosomes from 5-FU resistant colorectal cancer cells enhance resistance to chemotherapy by upregulating S100A4, indicating that EVs can facilitate drug resistance mechanisms in cancer (ref: Yan doi.org/10.1016/j.drup.2025.101211/). This finding aligns with the work of Yang et al., who highlighted the role of LIMA1 O-GlcNAcylation in promoting hepatic lipid deposition in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, suggesting that EVs may serve as carriers of metabolic signals that influence disease progression (ref: Yang doi.org/10.1002/advs.202415941/). Furthermore, Li et al. demonstrated that anti-inflammatory macrophage-derived exosomes modified with self-antigen peptides can effectively treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, showcasing the therapeutic potential of EVs in modulating metabolic and inflammatory pathways (ref: Li doi.org/10.1002/advs.202415265/). Collectively, these studies underscore the multifaceted roles of EVs in metabolic disorders, from mediating drug resistance to influencing lipid metabolism and immune responses.

Engineering and Applications of Extracellular Vesicles

The engineering of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for therapeutic applications is a rapidly evolving field, with innovative strategies being developed to enhance their efficacy. Zhao et al. introduced a fully integrated centrifugal microfluidics system for rapid exosome isolation, demonstrating the potential for point-of-care diagnostics (ref: Zhao doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c16988/). This technological advancement addresses the challenges of isolating EVs from complex biological fluids, paving the way for their use in clinical settings. Additionally, Wang et al. reported on tetrahedral-DNA-nanostructure-modified EVs that enhance therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting GPX4, illustrating the potential of engineered EVs to deliver therapeutic agents more effectively (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c00674/). Furthermore, Jiang et al. explored the use of lyophilized apoptotic vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells for improving hemostasis and bone regeneration, showcasing the regenerative capabilities of EVs in clinical applications (ref: Jiang doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.02.033/). These studies highlight the versatility of EVs as therapeutic vehicles and the importance of engineering approaches to optimize their delivery and efficacy.

Extracellular Vesicles in Neurological Disorders

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are gaining attention for their roles in neurological disorders, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and systemic sclerosis. Arnold et al. proposed that individual bioenergetic capacity may serve as a resilience factor against Alzheimer's disease, with metabolic profiles potentially reflected in circulating EVs (ref: Arnold doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57032-0/). This suggests that EVs could be utilized as biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases. In a related study, Guiot et al. identified a four-miRNA signature in small extracellular vesicles associated with interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis, indicating the potential for EVs to serve as biomarkers for disease severity (ref: Guiot doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00276-2024/). Furthermore, Lisi-Vega et al. demonstrated that bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells support translation in refractory acute myeloid leukemia via EVs, highlighting the role of EVs in the metabolic reprogramming of malignant cells (ref: Lisi-Vega doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2024.115151/). Collectively, these findings emphasize the potential of EVs as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in neurological and systemic diseases.

Extracellular Vesicles in Fibrosis and Regeneration

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in fibrosis and tissue regeneration. Park et al. demonstrated that CD9-enriched EVs from chemically reprogrammed basal progenitors of salivary glands can mitigate fibrosis, suggesting a therapeutic avenue for treating fibrotic diseases (ref: Park doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2025.01.019/). This study highlights the potential of stem cell-derived EVs to influence tissue repair and regeneration processes. Additionally, Jiang et al. explored the use of lyophilized apoptotic vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells for improving hemostasis and bone regeneration, providing evidence for the regenerative properties of EVs in clinical applications (ref: Jiang doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.02.033/). Dahlstroem et al. investigated the mechanism of CEP55 loading into exosomes, shedding light on the molecular pathways involved in EV biogenesis and their implications in cancer malignancy (ref: Dahlstroem doi.org/10.1002/jev2.70046/). These studies collectively underscore the therapeutic potential of EVs in combating fibrosis and enhancing tissue regeneration.

Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiovascular Health

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important mediators in cardiovascular health, with studies revealing their roles in disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications. Palma et al. developed a rapid sensor for profiling circulating placental EV protein biomarkers, achieving high sensitivity and specificity for early pregnancy complications, which may have implications for cardiovascular health during pregnancy (ref: Palma doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr4074/). This highlights the potential of EVs as biomarkers for monitoring cardiovascular risks in pregnant individuals. Additionally, Sharma et al. demonstrated that EVs can transport gasdermin pores, amplifying inflammatory cell death, which may contribute to cardiovascular pathologies associated with inflammation (ref: Sharma doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2025.02.004/). Furthermore, Petfalski et al. explored the dynamics of RNAPI transcription and its modulation by EVs, suggesting that EVs may influence transcriptional regulation in cardiovascular cells (ref: Petfalski doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115325/). These findings collectively emphasize the multifaceted roles of EVs in cardiovascular health, from serving as biomarkers to mediating inflammatory responses.

Extracellular Vesicles in Infectious Diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in infectious diseases, particularly in mediating immune responses and susceptibility to infections. Yang et al. identified the CXCL8/MAPK/hnRNP-K axis as a mechanism enabling susceptibility to viral infections, demonstrating how EVs can facilitate the recognition of viral RNA and enhance inflammatory responses (ref: Yang doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57094-0/). This underscores the potential of targeting EV-mediated pathways to mitigate viral infections. Additionally, Liu et al. explored the role of EVs in retarding bone aging and enhancing regeneration, which may have implications for immune responses in infectious contexts (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1038/s41413-024-00386-w/). The interplay between EVs and the immune system in the context of infectious diseases highlights their potential as therapeutic targets and biomarkers for disease progression.

Key Highlights

Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summarization. Please refer to the cited articles before making any clinical or scientific decisions.