Topic: Extracellular Vesicles at the Crosstalk of Cell Quality Control, Intercellular Communication and Clinical Applications

First described more than four decades ago, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have garnered unprecedented interest in the last decade, captivating thousands of research groups dedicated to unveiling their biology and exploring their potential applications as diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools. Based on the highly promising results emerging from cell-based research and pre-clinical studies, high expectations have been placed on EVs as a panacea for many clinical unmet needs. However, several obstacles have hampered a more effective and rapid translation of the basic knowledge into clinical practice. Some of these difficulties arise from the way EVs are perceived and approached, compelling a more holistic understanding of the importance of EVs in biology and pathophysiology, which can open new avenues for innovative biomedical applications. However, to achieve these goals, some critical questions that have remained elusive need to be addressed. Can EVs secretion be a way for cells to get rid of unwanted materials, thus acting as a mechanism of quality control? Is this a selfish behavior inadvertently impacting cells that uptake these EVs? What are the factors influencing EVs uptake by recipient cells? Is the selective sorting and release of EVs a deliberate strategy to convey information to specific targets, ascribing to EVs a role in orchestrated intercellular and interorgan communication, required for tissues, organs and organism homeostasis and function? What are the biological functions (if any) of EVs in homeostasis, and how do they impact or are affected by diseases? What happens to EVs when they are released into circulation? 

In this Special Issue, we aim to collect contributions that cross the traditional boundaries between various topics of EVs research. Our goal is to improve our understanding of the biology of EVs and their functional roles, while also accelerating the development of innovative strategies with translational potential, ultimately leading to better diagnosis and advanced therapies.