Figure 1.

The processes involved in the maturation and release of EVs. EVs encompass exosomes, MVs, and apoptotic bodies. A) MVs are discharged through a process of membrane budding. B) Exosomes originate from MVBs and their formation begins with shaping early endosomes as a result of endocytosis. Thereafter, MVBs form late endosomes, which are released as exosomes when MVBs merge with the cell's outer membrane. These EVs transport various cargo such as proteins, lipids, miRNAs, and mRNAs, which are secreted from the endoplasmic reticulum and can be transported to specific target cells. C) In contrast to exosomes and MVs, apoptotic bodies form in a dying cell by means of blebbing.