The role of microvesicles in tissue repair

Microvesicles (MVs) are released by almost all cells in resting and activated conditions. First described several years ago, it is only recently that their mechanisms of action are being elucidated, and their potential role in health and disease is drawing increasing attention. The main function of MVs is signaling through specific interactions with target cells and the transferring of gene products. Gaining further insights into the molecular specificity of MVs has allowed identification of the cellular source and may provide new diagnostic tools in the future. Indeed, an increasing body of evidence indicates that MVs are capable of mediating tissue repair in models of acute kidney and liver injury. In this review, we will discuss the mechanisms through which MVs from stem cells may act on target cells and may modify the response to injury. Furthermore, MVs from inflammatory cells are suspected to be involved in various diseases, such as cardiovascular and renal diseases, pathological pregnancy, tumors and sepsis. MVs are no doubt also involved in modulating immunity, and future studies will clarify their functional role in negatively modulating the cell response. Their role in physiological and pathological processes is increasingly appreciated. Depending on the cell source and the condition, MVs may be either beneficial or detrimental to the host. The recognition of their pathogenetic role may suggest new approaches to future therapies.