Choosing the Right Extracellular Vesicle: Cross-Kingdom Immunological Functions Linking Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of intercellular communication across biological kingdoms, with central roles in immune regulation and disease processes. Despite shared structural features, EVs derived from bacteria, plants, and mammalian cells differ substantially in their biogenesis, molecular composition, and immunological functions. EV formation pathways generate vesicles with distinct cargo profiles, including pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in bacterial EVs, regulatory small RNAs in plant-derived vesicles, and cytokines, microRNAs, and antigen-presenting complexes in mammalian EVs. Differences in cargo result in divergent immune outcomes. Bacterial EVs predominantly activate innate immunity via pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors, whereas plant-derived EVs exhibit low immunogenicity and mediate cross-kingdom RNA interference. In contrast, mammalian EVs primarily regulate immune responses by modulating antigen presentation and cytokine signaling. These findings support a framework in which EV origin determines immunological function and therapeutic applicability. This perspective highlights the importance of selecting appropriate EV sources for vaccine development, regenerative medicine, and targeted delivery strategies, while addressing current challenges related to heterogeneity, standardization, and safety.