The secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from cells has been observed. Recently, because EVs were found to contain functional molecules such as micro RNAs (miRNAs) and possess the ability to transfer them to other cells, its functions were expanded as an "intracellular communicator." The exosome is one such EV that has been extensively investigated, particularly in cancer research because cancer cells abundantly secrete exosomes, suggesting their potential as promising diagnostic markers. Research on exosomes in the hematopoietic system has just begun. We recently reported that the exosome secreted from the EBV-infected lymphoma cells has critical functions in lymphomagenesis and maintenance. Moreover, EVs in HBV infection are now being investigated to generalize their functions.
Keywords: EBV; Exosome; HBV.