Updating MISEV: Evolving the minimal requirements for studies of extracellular vesicles

The minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV) is a major initiative towards fulfilling the mission of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV): advancing extracellular vesicle (EV) science globally. A first publication on minimal requirements, co-authored by the ISEV Board in 2014 and now referred to as MISEV2014 (Lotvall et al., 2014) was followed by a lengthier, more comprehensive document in 2018 (Thery et al., 2018). The MISEV2018 product received input from more than 400 scientists, 382 of whom became co-authors. MISEV2018 presented recommendations in six areas: EV nomenclature, sample collection and pre-processing, EV separation and concentration, EV characterization, functional studies, and reporting requirements/exceptions. In preparing the first MISEV 2018 draft for detailed feedback fromco-authors, the ISEV Board was guided by prior input from the ISEV community, solicited through a survey in 2016 (Witwer et al., 2017). Among other outcomes, the survey reinforced that ISEV members wished to be more involved in preparing the guidelines and revealed key topics to address. Looking forward to a new iteration of MISEV, ISEV again sought community input to understand engagement with MISEV, determine how the guidelines can be improved, identify new topics that require attention, and define the relationship of MISEV with other rigour initiatives within or allied with ISEV. Here, we examine this latest crowdsourcing effort and what the results will mean for the next MISEV product and other ISEV initiatives.

Automated summary

The MISEV initiative by ISEV aims to advance EV science globally, with the 2018 release of MISEV2018 providing comprehensive recommendations on EV nomenclature, sample processing, separation concentration, characterization, functional studies, and reporting requirements, with input from over 400 scientists. ISEV sought feedback and opinions from the community through a survey to better formulate MISEV and address key issues.