Extracellular Vesicles: Exosomes and Microvesicles, Integrators of Homeostasis

Physiology (Bethesda). 2019 May 1;34(3):169-177. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00045.2018.

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), cell-derived membrane structures, are secreted after fusion of endosomes with the plasma membrane (exosomes) or shed from the plasma membrane (microvesicles). EVs play a key role both in physiological balance and homeostasis and in disease processes by their ability to participate in intercellular signaling and communication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Communication*
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / metabolism*
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Homeostasis*
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Melanocytes / metabolism
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction