Extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers and therapeutic approaches in autoimmune diseases

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles are heterogeneous populations of naturally occurring secreted small vesicles. EVs function as signaling platforms to facilitate intracellular communication, which indicates the physiological or pathophysiological conditions of cells or tissues. Considering that EVs can be isolated from most body fluids and that molecular constituents could be reprogrammed according to the physiological status of the secreting cells, EVs are regarded as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for many diseases. The ability to protect encapsulated molecules from degradation in body fluids suggests the potential of EVs as biological medicines or drug delivery systems. This article focuses on the EV-associated biomarkers and therapeutic approaches in autoimmune diseases.

Keywords: Autoimmunity; Biomarker; Exosomes; Extracellular vesicle; MicroRNA; Therapy.

Fig. 1

Potential biomarkers in extracellular vesicles (EVs) for autoimmune diseases. pSS primary Sjögren’s syndrome, PMPs platelet-derived MPs, EMPs endothelial MPs, APMAP adipocyte plasma membrane-associated protein, GNA13 guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit alpha-1, WDR1 WD repeat-containing protein 1, SIRPA tyrosine-protein phosphatase nonreceptor type substrate 1, LSP1 cell-specific protein 1, CPNE1 Copine 1, CALM Calmodulin, moMPs monocyte-derived MPs, TMPs T cell-derived MPs, PS- MPs phosphatidylserine-negative MPs, SLE systemic lupus erythematosus, OLP oral lichen planus, TF + MPs tissue factor + MPs, BS Behçet’s syndrome, GAD65 glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, T1DM type 1 diabetes mellitus

Fig. 2

Research aimed at developing extracellular vesicles (EVs) for clinical applications. MVB multivesicular body