Extracellular vesicles and intercellular communication in the central nervous system

Neurons and glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS) release extracellular vesicles (EVs) to interstitial fluid brain spinal cord parenchyma. EVs contain proteins, nucleic acids lipids that can be taken up by, modulate behaviour of, neighbouring recipient cells. The functions have been extensively studied in context neurodegenerative diseases. However, mechanisms involved EV-mediated neuron–glial communication under physiological conditions or healthy ageing remain unclear. A better understanding myriad roles CNS homeostasis is essential for development novel therapeutics alleviate reverse neurological disturbances ageing. Proteomic studies are beginning reveal cell type-specific EV cargo signatures may one day allow us target specific neuronal populations treatment debilitating disorders. This review aims synthesise current literature regarding cell–cell brain, predominantly conditions.