Autophagic extracellular vesicles (AEVs) are distinct from exosomes and play crucial roles in viral infections

Quick Facts

  • Publication title: Autophagic extracellular vesicles (AEVs) are distinct from exosomes and play crucial roles in viral infections
  • Journal: Nat Commun
  • Year: 2025
  • DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-67860-9
  • PMID/PMCID: 41423474; PMC12852855

Research overview

Emerging evidence indicates important interconnections between autophagy and the secretion of small extracellular vesicles. However, our understanding of these secretory vesicles remains incomplete.

Key findings

Emerging evidence indicates important interconnections between autophagy and the secretion of small extracellular vesicles.

However, our understanding of these secretory vesicles remains incomplete.

Here, we identify a subtype of small extracellular vesicles, termed autophagic extracellular vesicles (AEVs), which are distinct from exosomes.

Extracellular AEVs characterized by a size less than 100 nm exhibit increased secretion when the autophagy response is induced.

Echo Biotech Role

Echo Biotech contributed EV proteomics.

Related platforms: Exoomics®

Related services and capabilities: EV Proteomics

References

Original publication: Autophagic extracellular vesicles (AEVs) are distinct from exosomes and play crucial roles in viral infections Nature communications. 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-67860-9. PMID/PMCID: 41423474; PMC12852855.