Figure 1.

Origin and cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are cell-derived nanosized vesicles that play an important role in intercellular communication through transfer of biological cargo. Their cargo comprises nucleic acids, lipids and phospholipids, and proteins. Interactions of EVs with the environment are mainly driven by their surface molecules. EV contents are released after uptake by recipient cells, possibly activating cellular pathways and resulting in phenotypical changes.