Structure and function of vimentin in the generation and secretion of extracellular vimentin in response to inflammation

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The canonical functions of vimentin in cell mechanics and migration have been recently expanded by the discovery of new roles for extracellular vimentin (ECV) in immune responses to infection, injury and cancer. In contrast with the predominantly filamentous form of intracellular vimentin, ECV exists largely as soluble oligomers. The release of ECV from intact cells is dependent on mechanisms that regulate the assembly and disassembly of intracellular vimentin, which are influenced by discrete post-translational modifications. In this review we highlight the processes that promote the conversion of intracellular and insoluble vimentin filaments to ECV and secretion mechanisms. Insights into the regulation of ECV release from stromal and immune cells could provide new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for assessing and controlling inflammatory diseases.