Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important players in autoimmune diseases, both in disease pathogenesis and as potential treatments. EVs can transport autoimmune triggers throughout the body, facilitating the process of antigen presentation. Understanding the link between cellular stress and EV biogenesis and intercellular trafficking will advance our understanding of autoimmune diseases. In addition, EVs can also be effective treatments for autoimmune diseases. The diversity of cell types that produce EVs leads to a wide range of molecules to be present in EVs, and thus EVs have a wide range of physiological effects. EVs derived from dendritic cells or mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to reduce inflammation. Since many autoimmune treatments are focused only on symptom management, EVs present a promising avenue for potential treatments. This review looks at the different roles EVs can play in autoimmune diseases, from disease pathology to diagnosis and treatment. We also overview various methodologies in isolating or generating EVs and look to the future for possible applications of EVs in autoimmune diseases.
Highlights
TO EXTRACELLULAR VESICLE (EV) BIOLOGYOur understanding of the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in biological processes is rapidly evolving
This review looks at the different roles EVs can play in autoimmune diseases, from disease pathology to diagnosis and treatment
EVs are produced by a variety of cells, and their content resembles their host cells—the lipid composition of the outer cell membrane makes up the outer membrane of the EV
Summary
Our understanding of the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in biological processes is rapidly evolving. When EVs were first discovered, they were believed to be a final product, a mechanism for discarding unnecessary cellular materials [4]. Subsequent studies showed that EVs could function to transmit instructions for cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation [5]. The role of EVs modulating immune responses through antigen presentation was uncovered [6]. Immune cells secrete EVs and receive cellular instructions from EVs that guide further immune reactions [7]. We believe this is an emerging trend that should be evaluated when considering diagnostic and therapeutic applications
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