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

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

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
Article number2
Number of pages8
JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
Volume5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • extracellular vesicles
  • vascular inflammation
  • atherosclerosis
  • proteolytic activity
  • challenges
  • CELL-DERIVED MICROPARTICLES
  • SMOOTH-MUSCLE-CELLS
  • CORONARY-ARTERY-DISEASE
  • ENDOTHELIAL MICROPARTICLES
  • PLATELET MICROPARTICLES
  • IN-VITRO
  • EXOSOMES
  • MICROVESICLES
  • PLAQUES
  • CALCIFICATION

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