Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanovesicles enclosing proteins and nucleic acids; they are a newly discovered way by which cells communicate with their neighbours. EVs, including exosomes (φ 30–100 nm) and microvesicles (φ 100–1,000 nm), are generated and released from almost all cell types and are present in almost all biological fluids.

EVs, especially exosomes, have been attracting increased attention both for their role in pathology and their possible use in diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Therefore, it is increasingly crucial to uncover the pathogenic pathways in which EVs may participate and to better use EVs as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the development of more effective therapies.

The topic of this special issue is the role of EVs in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases (including cancer, degenerative diseases, rheumatism, and nervous system diseases) and the new therapeutic strategies using EVs (including tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and targeted therapies). Studies using animal or cell culture models to investigate molecular mechanisms will be considered. Special attention will be given to new methods for improving the function of EVs via modularized EVs. This special issue will also cover reports on patients, providing novel mechanistic insights into the underlying pathogenesis or previously unknown aspects that may impact clinical therapy. Review articles are also welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• EVs/exosomes in special areas, including rheumatic disease, degenerative disease, nervous system disease, and developmental disease
• EVs/exosomes in the tumour microenvironment
• Circulating EVs/exosomes
• Nanotechnology and EVs/exosomes
• Gene-based therapies using EVs/exosomes