外泌体(exosomes)通过携带蛋白质、脂质和核酸等物质,实现物质在细胞间的转移,从而在细胞间通讯中发挥重要作用。不同细胞来源的外泌体携带的物质种类和含量均不同,因此不同细胞来源的外泌体在特点和功能上具有异质性,异质性是外泌体功能的基础。本文将围绕外泌体的异质性,包括其细胞来源和内容物的异质性,系统阐述外泌体的生物学特征与功能,为未来外泌体筛选和应用提供依据。

Exosomes play an important role in intercellular communication by transferring substances such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids between cells. The types and quantities of substances carried by exosomes vary depending on their cellular origin, resulting in heterogeneity in both the characteristics and functions of exosomes derived from different cell types. This heterogeneity underpins the basis of exosome function. Focusing on the heterogeneity of exosomes in terms of cellular origin and content, this article systematically elucidates the biological characteristics and functions of exosomes, providing a basis for future exosome screening and applications.