Exosomes are here defined as extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the approximate size range of 30-100 nm in diameter, and are observed in most body fluids containing typical exosomal markers such as CD9, CD63, and CD81. Potential subpopulations of exosomes can be captured by targeting these markers using magnetic beads. Magnetic beads are versatile tools for exosome isolation and downstream analysis. Here, we describe the workflow of immuno magnetic isolation and analysis of exosomes by flow cytometry, Western immunoblotting, and electron microscopy.

Distribution of exosomes that contain CD19, CD20, CD24, CD37, and HLA-DR may intercept immunotherapy directed against these antigens, which is important to be aware of for optimal treatment. The use of an immunomagnetic separation platform enables easy isolation and characterization of exosome subpopulations for further studies of the exosome biology to understand the potential for therapeutic and diagnostic use.

No abstract