Pathogen-Derived Extracellular Vesicle-Associated Molecules That Affect the Host Immune System: An Overview
Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Recently, the interest in extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and parasites has rapidly increased. Many of these pathogens actively modulate the immune responses of their host and there is accumulating evidence that pathogen-derived EV contribute to this process. The effects of pathogen-derived EV on the host immune system have been attributed to proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and glycans contained in, or present on these EV. For example, toxins in bacterial EV can modulate pathogen clearance and antigen presentation, while EV-associated polysaccharides are potential vaccine targets because they induce protective immune responses. Furthermore, parasite EV-associated microRNA may increase parasite survival via host gene repression, and the lipid A moiety of LPS in bacteria-derived EV induces strong pro-inflammatory responses. Research on pathogen EV-associated molecules may pave new avenues to combat infectious diseases by immune intervention. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of EV-associated molecules released by extracellular pathogens and their effects on the host immune system. The current focus and future hotspots of this rapidly expanding field will be highlighted and discussed.
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology
Institutions: Utrecht University, Leiden University Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Awards: Communication between immune cells via release of RNA-carrying vesicles: Lessons from viruses, G2135397057, Immunity, infection and tolerance graduate program LUMC, G3207356259, IguideME: a unique learning analytics dashboard with personalized feedback to support self-regulated learning, G6952932936, G8297579835, G896728979
OpenAlex ID: W2889790357