Summary

Endothelial microparticles (EMP) are complex vesicular structures that can be shed by activated or apoptotic endothelial cells. EMP are composed of a phospholipid bilayer that exposes transmembrane proteins and receptors and encloses cytosolic components such as enzymes, transcription factors and mRNA derived from their parent cells. Thus, EMP behave as biological conveyors playing a key role in the tuning of vascular homeostasis. This review focuses on the multifaceted roles of EMP, notably in coagulation, inflammation and angiogenesis and also on the mechanisms that trigger their formation. In this context, EMP could compromise vascular homeostasis and then represent key players in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory and thrombotic diseases. Consequently, elucidating their role and their mechanisms of formation will bring new insights into the understanding of endothelial-associated diseases. Moreover, in the future, it can open novel therapeutic perspectives based on the inhibition of EMP release.