Transfer of extracellular vesicles during immune cell-cell interactions

• Published in: Immunological reviews Vol. 251; no. 1; pp. 125 - 142
• Main Authors: Gutiérrez-Vázquez, Cristina, Villarroya-Beltri, Carolina, Mittelbrunn, María, Sánchez-Madrid, Francisco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2013
• Subjects: Animals; antigen-presenting cell; Antigen-presenting cells; Antigen-Presenting Cells - immunology; Autoimmune diseases; Cell Communication - immunology; Cell interactions; exosomes; extracellular vesicles; Humans; Hypersensitivity; immune synapse; Immunity, Cellular; Immunological synapses; Immunological Synapses - immunology; Intercellular signalling; Lymphocytes T; microRNA; Pathogens; Proteins - metabolism; RNA; RNA, Small Interfering - metabolism; Secretory Vesicles - immunology; T cell; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Tumors; Vesicles
• ISSN: 0105-2896; 1600-065X
• DOI: 10.1111/imr.12013

Summary The transfer of molecules between cells during cognate immune cell interactions has been reported, and recently a novel mechanism of transfer of proteins and genetic material such as small RNA between T cells and antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) has been described, involving exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs) during the formation of the immunological synapse (IS). EVs, a term that encompasses exosomes and microvesicles, has been implicated in cell‐cell communication during immune responses associated with tumors, pathogens, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on EV transfer as a mechanism for the exchange of molecules during immune cell‐cell interactions.