What are the subtypes of extracellular vehicles (EVs) released by a cell?

Extracellular vehicles (EVs) released by cells can be broadly categorized into three main subtypes - exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies - which are differentiated based upon their biogenesis, size, release pathways, content, and function. 

1. Exosomes are small membrane-bound vesicles, typically ranging in size from 30 to 150 nm. They are formed inside cells within small compartments called endosomes, which fuse with the cell's outer membrane, releasing the exosomes into the extracellular space. Exosomes play a key role in cell-to-cell communication by carrying proteins, RNA, lipids, and other molecules that can influence the behavior and function of recipient cells.
2. Microvesicles are formed by outward budding and direct shedding of the cell membrane. They are larger than exosomes, ranging from 100 to 1,000 nm in size. Microvesicles also carry a cargo of various molecules including proteins, RNA, and lipids, similar to exosomes. They also participate in intercellular communication, transferring their cargo to recipient cells.
3. Apoptotic bodies are larger vesicles, typically ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 nm in size, that are released during the process of programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. Apoptotic bodies are formed when dying cells undergo structural changes and break apart into membrane-bound fragments. These bodies contain cellular components and remnants of the dying cell, including organelles and DNA fragments.