Leukocyte-derived microvesicles dock on glomerular endothelial cells: stardust in the kidney

Abstract

Microvesicles are released from the plasma membrane of various cell types, can be taken up by other cells, and can transport membrane proteins and cytosolic contents between cells. Kahn et al. demonstrate that leukocyte-derived microvesicles bearing B1-kinin receptors are enriched in the plasma of vasculitis patients and dock on endothelial cells in the glomerulus. Cell culture experiments suggest that B1-receptors transferred by these microvesicles are functionally active on acceptor cells.