The biogenesis and functions of exosomes

Willem Stoorvogel, Monique J Kleijmeer, Hans J Geuze, Graça Raposo

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Exosomes are membrane vesicles with a diameter of 40-100 nm that are secreted by many cell types into the extracellular milieu. They correspond to the internal vesicles of an endosomal compartment, the multivesicular body and are released upon exocytic fusion of this organelle with the plasma membrane. Intracellularly, they are formed by inward budding of the endosomal membrane in a process that sequesters particular proteins and lipids. The unique composition of exosomes may confer specific functions on them upon secretion. Although their physiological role in vivo is far from being unraveled, it is apparent that they function in a multitude of processes, including intercellular communication during the immune response. Exosomes may have evolved early in the evolution of multicellular organisms and also seem to be important for tissue developmental processes.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)321-30
    Number of pages10
    JournalTraffic
    Volume3
    Issue number5
    Publication statusPublished - 2002

    Keywords

    • Antigen-Presenting Cells
    • Cell Fusion
    • Organelles

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The biogenesis and functions of exosomes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this