Figure 2.

Combination of MVs with target cells. (a) Direct fusion: the MV membrane fuses with the target cell plasma membrane, releasing the cargo into the cytoplasm; (b) receptor ligand binding: specific receptors of MVs bind to ligands on the surface of target cells; (c) endocytosis: MVs are taken up by target cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis. The internationalization can be followed by (i) fusion of MVs and endosome membranes, then release of cargo and (ii) the endosomal pathway to lysosome: MVs targeting acidic lysosomes via the endosomal pathway.