Emerging roles for extracellular vesicles in parasitic infections. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marti, Matthias; Johnson, Patricia J
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in microbiology. Volume 32(2016)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Microbiology -- Periodicals; 579.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.04.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-5274

Abstract

Highlights: Parasites secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that mediate cellular communication. EVs can transfer virulence factors, drug-resistance markers and modify host response. MicroRNAs contained in EVs have been shown to down-regulate host cell proteins. EVs can support parasite growth as well as host cell proliferation. Most described parasite EVs either suppress or stimulate the host immune response. Abstract : Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by cells and contain a complex mixture of proteins, genetic information and lipids. EVs mediate cell:cell communication by transferring their molecular cargo between cells. EVs, initially discovered in mammalian systems, have been demonstrated to play critical role in immunology and cancer biology. More recently, EVs have been identified in a broad range of both unicellular and multicellular parasites. In this review we focus on the emerging roles for EVs in parasitic infections. Parasite-derived EVs can transfer virulence factors and drug-resistance markers, modify host cell gene expression and promote parasite adherence and host cell proliferation. EVs can also suppress or stimulate host immune responses. Thus, EVs are likely important in determining the outcome of parasitic infections.