Figure 1.

EV biogenesis, release, and communication with recipient cells. Exosomes and MVs released from cells are primarily stratified based on size. In addition, MVs can bud from the plasma membrane, while exosomes are derived from ILVs within the lumen of MVBs. MVBs then fuse with the plasma membrane to release the exosomes. EVs transport nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids to target cells by (1) membrane fusion, (2) endocytosis, and (3) ligand binding mechanisms to exert their biological functions. EV, extracellular vesicle; MVs, microvesicles; ILVs, intraluminal vesicles; MVBs, multivesicular bodies.