Extracellular vesicles as novel therapeutic targets and diagnosis markers
Yu Zhang, Weiliang Wu, Xiangbin Pan, Yanli Wang, Chengjie Wu, Lin Lu, Xiyong Yu, Yangxin Li
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous vesicles secreted from cells to the outside and are widely present in body fluids. The most commonly used method to isolate EVs is ultracentrifugation. EVs contain lipids, proteins, genetic material, and organelles, which can be used as communication carriers between different cells and potential disease biomarkers. EVs secreted by different cells (cancer cells, adipocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, immune cells et al.) play different functions. With the development of technology, EVs can also be engineered to deliver drugs. EVs also play an important role in the progression, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).