Challenges and directions in studying cell–cell communication by extracellular vesicles

Guillaume van Niel*, David R.F. Carter, Aled Clayton, Daniel W. Lambert, Graça Raposo, Pieter Vader

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

54 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication. They have important roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes, and show considerable promise as novel biomarkers of disease, as therapeutic agents and as drug delivery vehicles. Intriguingly, however, understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the many observed functions of EVs remains far from comprehensive, at least partly due to technical challenges in working with these small messengers. Here, we highlight areas of consensus as well as contentious issues in our understanding of the intracellular and intercellular journey of EVs: from biogenesis, release and dynamics in the extracellular space, to interaction with and uptake by recipient cells. We define knowledge gaps, identify key questions and challenges, and make recommendations on how to address these.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)369-382
Number of pages14
JournalNature reviews molecular cell biology
Volume23
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2022

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