Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine (Jan 2018)

Message in a Microbottle: Modulation of Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis by Extracellular Vesicles

  • Emiel P. C. van der Vorst,
  • Emiel P. C. van der Vorst,
  • Renske J. de Jong,
  • Marjo M. P. C. Donners,
  • Marjo M. P. C. Donners

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00002
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5

Abstract

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Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a novel intercellular communication system. By carrying bioactive lipids, miRNAs and proteins they can modulate target cell functions and phenotype. Circulating levels of EVs are increased in inflammatory conditions, e.g., cardiovascular disease patients, and their functional contribution to atherosclerotic disease development is currently heavily studied. This review will describe how EVs can modulate vascular cell functions relevant to vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, particularly highlighting the role of EV-associated proteolytic activity and effector proteins involved. Furthermore, we will discuss key questions and challenges, especially for EV-based therapeutics.

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