Toward Clarity in Single Extracellular Vesicle Research: Defining the Field and Correcting Missteps.

Abstract

Single extracellular vesicle (EV) research holds the potential to revolutionize our understanding of cellular communication and enable breakthroughs in diagnostics and therapeutics. However, the lack of a clear, consensus-driven definition of single EV research has led to methodological inconsistencies, overgeneralized interpretations, and, in some cases, misleading claims. In this perspective, we propose a framework for defining single EV research, critique current challenges and misconceptions in this field, and discuss its implications for biomedical applications. We argue that precise experimental design, rigorous validation, and interdisciplinary collaboration approaches are needed to establish single EV research as a cornerstone of precision medicine.