Figure 1.

Exosomes participate in the pathological process of T1DM. Beta cell-derived exosomes that contain islet autoantigens and specific miRNAs can activate the immune system. In return, immune cell-derived exosomes can induce beta-cell dysfunction and apoptosis, eventually leading to T1DM. In addition, exosomes can deliver biological information between beta-cells, and horizontal message transfer can coordinate beta-cell activity. Additionally, some studies have shown that exosomes may serve as mediators between insulin-producing beta cells and stromal cells and are associated with the revascularization process after islet transplantation.