Biological Functions and Therapeutic Applications of Extracellular Vesicles

Dear Colleagues,

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer particles secreted by cells into the extracellular space. They contain various bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids (such as microRNAs), and lipids. These cargo molecules are protected within the EVs, enabling their stable transfer between cells and influencing cellular functions and signaling pathways.

EVs have significant therapeutic potential and can serve as vehicles for drug delivery, gene therapy, and other therapeutic interventions, offering innovative strategies for various diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, immune-related conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, EVs can be loaded with therapeutic cargo, and the cells responsible for EV secretion can be genetically modified to alter the cargo content and therapeutic properties of the EVs. Given their roles in intercellular communication and potential therapeutic applications, EVs have attracted considerable scientific attention.

This Special Issue welcomes articles focusing on the biology and therapeutic applications of extracellular EVs, with particular interest in EVs derived from natural sources such as milk or other food products. We seek innovative studies shedding light on the intercellular communication, cargo content, and therapeutic potential of EVs.

As the Guest Editor of this Special Issue, I hope that this collection of articles will serve as a valuable reference for teaching and research, stimulating discussions and inspiring new avenues of research in the field of EVs.

Dr. Regina Golan-Gerstl
Guest Editor

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