Cellular communication via nanoparticle-transporting biovesicles.

AIMS Endothelial cells are dynamic cells tasked with selective transport of cargo from blood vessels to tissues. Here we demonstrate the potential for nanoparticle transport across endothelial cells in membrane-bound vesicles. MATERIALS & METHODS Cell-free endothelial-derived biovesicles were characterized for cellular and nanoparticle content by electron microscopy. Confocal microscopy was used to evaluate biovesicles for organelle-specific proteins, and to monitor biovesicle engulfment by naive cells. RESULTS Nanoparticle-laden biovesicles containing low-density polyethyleneimine nanoparticles appear to be predominately of endosomal origin, combining features of multivesicular bodies, lysosomes and autophagosomes. Conversely, high-density polyethyleneimine nanoparticles stimulate the formation of biovesicles associated with cellular apoptotic breakdown. Secreted LAMP-1-positive biovesicles are internalized by recipient cells, either of the same origin or of novel phenotype. CONCLUSION Cellular biovesicles, rich in cellular signals, present an important mode of cell-to-cell communication either locally or through broadcasting of biological messages.