Background <p>Apoptotic vesicles (apoVs), a specialized subtype of extracellular vesicles released during cellular apoptosis, play crucial roles in intercellular communication and immune regulation. In recent years, their functions in various physiological and pathological processes have garnered increasing attention.</p> Main body <p>This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biological characteristics, formation mechanisms, and functional implications of apoVs in various diseases. It particularly emphasizes the potential clinical applications of apoVs in diagnostics and therapeutics. By integrating the latest research advancements, the review analyzes the molecular cargo packaging mechanisms of apoVs and their impact on functionality, assessing their prospects as drug carriers and immune modulators.</p> Conclusions <p>By synthesizing existing research findings, this review aims to provide a systematic theoretical foundation and practical strategies for both fundamental research and clinical translation of apoptotic vesicles. Further investigation into apoptotic vesicles is expected to offer novel insights and approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>