Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by invading pathogens and also by host cells in response to infection. The origin, composition, and function of EVs made during infection are diverse and provide effective vehicles for localized and broad dissimilation of effector molecules in the infected host. Extracellular pathogens use EVs to communicate with each other by sensing the host environment contributing to social motility, tissue tropism, and persistence of infection. Pathogen-derived EVs can also interact with host cells to influence the adhesive properties of host membranes and to alter immune recognition and response. Intracellular pathogens can affect both the protein and RNA content of EVs produced by infected host cells. Release of pathogen-induced host EVs can affect host immune responses to infection. In this review, we will describe both the biogenesis and content of EVs produced by a number of diverse pathogens. In addition, we will examine the pathogen-induced changes to EVs produced by infected host cells.
-
Cover Image
Cover Image
Recent advances in extracellular vesicle (EV) research have given rise to a new paradigm in cellular communication. EVs are small membrane vesicles released by cells that can be visualized by cryo-electron microscopy in a close to native state. The cover image shows vesicles released from skin cells called melanocytes and reveals their elegant but simple structure (for details see van Niel et al. (2015) Cell Rep. 13, 43-51). In this issue of Essays in Biochemistry, the role of EVs (exosomes and microvesicles) in extracellular communication has been approached from multiple perspectives: intracellular sorting and vesicle biogenesis, complex physiological systems including cardiovascular biology, metabolism and development, as well as pathophysiologic deviations including cancer and infection. Model organisms, key research tools in cell developmental biology research, have been highlighted as well. EVs, because of their role in cell-to-cell communication and their broad distribution across phyla and even kingdoms, represent a new frontier in biological and medical science. Image credit: Guillaume van Niel and Daniel Levy (Institut Curie).
Drivers of persistent infection: pathogen-induced extracellular vesicles
 |
 |
