Circulating extracellular vesicles as an emerging immune signature

Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as critical mediators of immune communication, reflecting both the activation state and functional heterogeneity of immune cells. Released by virtually all cell types, EVs carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that modulate immune signaling across local and systemic environments. In recent years, growing evidence has demonstrated that immune-cell–derived EVs dynamically change in composition and abundance in response to infection, inflammation, cancer, and immunotherapy. Unlike soluble cytokines or bulk immune markers, circulating EVs provide compartmentalized, stable, and cell-of-origin–specific information, enabling a more integrated view of immune regulation. Advances in EV isolation, single-vesicle analysis, and signal-based profiling have further accelerated interest in circulating EVs as noninvasive biomarkers. Together, these findings position circulating EVs as an emerging immune signature that bridges molecular signaling, immune heterogeneity, and systemic immune status.The goal of this research topic is to synthesize current knowledge on circulating extracellular vesicles as functional and diagnostic immune signatures, emphasizing their biological origin, molecular cargo, and immunological relevance. We aim to move beyond descriptive biomarker studies by highlighting how EVs actively participate in immune regulation, intercellular communication, and immune-state transitions. This topic will integrate recent advances in EV biogenesis, immune-cell–specific EV profiling, and emerging analytical platforms, including single-vesicle, signal-based, and multiplexed detection strategies. Particular attention will be given to how circulating EVs encode immune heterogeneity and dynamic immune responses in disease contexts such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and immunotherapy. By outlining current challenges in standardization, sensitivity, and biological interpretation, this topic seeks to provide a conceptual framework for leveraging circulating EVs as robust immune signatures. Ultimately, we aim to guide future translational efforts toward EV-based immune monitoring, precision diagnostics, and immune-modulatory therapeutic strategies.We welcome manuscripts focusing on, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:• Immune Cell–Derived EVs as Functional Messengers • Circulating EVs as Indicators of Immune Activation and Heterogeneity• Signal-Based and Single-Vesicle Approaches for Immune EV Profiling• Clinical Relevance of Circulating EV Immune Signatures• Challenges and Future Directions in EV-Based Immune Monitoring Topic editors: Juhwan Park, Polona Žigon Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81844/circulating-extracellular-vesicles-as-an-emerging-immune-signature