MVs are shed from both megakaryocytes (MegMVs) and platelets (PMVs). Evidence suggests that MVs may (1) stimulate target cells directly by surface-expressed ligands acting as a kind of “signaling complex,” (2) transfer surface receptors from one cell to another (eg, CD41, CXCR4), or (3) deliver proteins, mRNA, bioactive lipids, and even serve as a vehicle (“Trojan horse” mechanism) to transfer infectious particles between cells (eg, prions).