Introduction to Guidelines for Extracellular Vesicle Research

In the past decade, there has been an explosive growth in studies of extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale membrane-bound vesicles (30–1000 nm) secreted by cells to mediate intercellular communication. Given their abundance in body fluids, excellent biocompatibility, and good stability, EVs are considered as promising diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Nevertheless, the small size and large heterogeneity of EVs, diversity of EV isolation and characterization techniques, and lack of quality controls have led to controversial results and misconceptions. To overcome these barriers to rigorous studies, numerous international committees and research groups have aimed to establish criteria and guidance for EV studies. In this chapter, the guidelines and minimal requirements for general EV research, sample collection and processing, EV isolation and characterization, and EV clinical research are summarized. We believe that these guidelines will help researchers, particularly those new to the EV field, to conduct reliable and repeatable EV research.