AUTHOR=van der Vorst Emiel P. C. , de Jong Renske J. , Donners Marjo M. P. C. 

TITLE=Message in a Microbottle: Modulation of Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis by Extracellular Vesicles

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

VOLUME=5

YEAR=2018

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00002

DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2018.00002

ISSN=2297-055X

ABSTRACT=<p>Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a novel intercellular communication system. By carrying bioactive lipids, miRNAs and proteins they can modulate target cell functions and phenotype. Circulating levels of EVs are increased in inflammatory conditions, e.g., cardiovascular disease patients, and their functional contribution to atherosclerotic disease development is currently heavily studied. This review will describe how EVs can modulate vascular cell functions relevant to vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, particularly highlighting the role of EV-associated proteolytic activity and effector proteins involved. Furthermore, we will discuss key questions and challenges, especially for EV-based therapeutics.</p>