New Insights Into Immune Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Multiple Sclerosis

• Main Authors: Maria Blonda, Antonella Amoruso, Tommaso Martino, Carlo Avolio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2018-08-01
• Series: Frontiers in Neurology
• Subjects: extracellular vesicles; microvesicles; exosomes; Multiple Sclerosis; biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fneur.2018.00604/full

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles including microvesicles and exosomes which differ in their distinct size, density, biogenesis, and content. Until recently, EVs were considered as simply scrap products. Nowadays, they are engendering huge interest and their shedding plays a well-recognized role in intercellular communication, not only participating in many physiological processes, but also suspected of being involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases. The present review aims to summarize the latest updates on immune cell-derived EVs, focusing on the current status of knowledge in Multiple Sclerosis. Significant progress has been made on their physical and biological characterization even though many aspects remain unclear and need to be addressed. However, it is worth further investigating in order to deepen the knowledge of this unexplored and fascinating field that could lead to intriguing findings in the evaluation of EVs as biomarkers in monitoring the course of diseases and the response to treatments.