Extracellular Vesicles

Last medically reviewed: October 7, 2026

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Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny membrane-bound particles released by virtually all cells. They carry proteins, lipids and nucleic acids such as microRNA, and researchers study them as messengers in cell-to-cell communication.

Research is not treatment. The studies summarized below are investigational. They are presented for education only, do not show that any approach is safe or effective in patients, and are not a recommendation. Unless stated as FDA-approved, none of these approaches is approved for this condition. RUO materials are not for human use.

Terminology

"Extracellular vesicle" is the umbrella term recommended by the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles. "Exosome" refers to a specific biogenesis pathway and is often used loosely; MISEV guidelines urge precise terminology and characterisation.^{[1, 2]}

What researchers study in the eye

Paracrine signaling, growth factors, cytokines and microRNA cargo; neuroprotection and inflammation in retinal and ocular-surface models.

EVIDENCE VERIFICATION REQUIRED. Specific studies have not yet been verified by our reviewers. Search the literature: PubMed search: extracellular vesicles retina

Where the evidence stands

Ophthalmic EV research is overwhelmingly laboratory and animal research.

The FDA has issued a public safety notification about exosome products marketed to treat diseases without approval.^[3]

Answers

Related conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are extracellular vesicles a treatment?

No. They are a subject of research. No EV or exosome product is FDA-approved to treat an eye disease to our knowledge.

Patients

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Professionals

Scientific education and research resources.

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References

Théry C, et al. Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018). Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2018. [Consensus / position statement · citation details pending reviewer confirmation]
Welsh JA, et al. Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023). Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2024. [Consensus / position statement · citation details pending reviewer confirmation]
Public Safety Notification on Exosome Products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019. [Regulator · citation details pending reviewer confirmation]

Live searches (always current)

PubMed search: extracellular vesicles retina — PubMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)