Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers and Modulators in Human Disease

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano- to micrometer-sized particles with a complex composition, encompassing both external or membrane-anchored components and internal cargo, such as microRNAs, cytokines, and other soluble proteins. Released by a wide range of cell types, EVs are now well established as key mediators of intercellular communication and regulators of diverse physiological and pathological processes. Their potential as biomarkers for various diseases has garnered growing attention. Given that most EVs are found circulating in plasma, this biological material has become a central focus of research aimed at identifying EVs that may contribute to early disease diagnosis, staging of pathological conditions, and elucidation of poorly understood mechanisms—ultimately supporting the development of novel therapeutic strategies. These advances have propelled the exploration of plasma-derived EVs in a variety of clinical contexts, from inflammatory responses to cancer. In this review, we explore these and other emerging applications, emphasizing the clinical relevance of EVs and outlining future directions in this rapidly evolving field.