The heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a family of intracellular proteins found in all eukaryotes
and prokaryotes. Their functions are well characterized and are central to maintaining
cellular homeostasis and in promoting cell survival in response to stressful cellular
conditions. However, several studies provide evidence that specific members of the HSP
family might be secreted via an unidentified exocytotic pathway. Here we show that
exosomes, small membrane vesicles that are secreted by numerous cell types, contribute to …