Extracellular vesicles and their convergence with viral pathways.

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (microvesicles) like exosomes and shed microvesicles carry diverse biomolecules.
• Microvesicle biogenesis involves origins from multivesicular bodies or plasma membrane budding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the convergence of microvesicle biogenesis and viral assembly/release pathways.
• To highlight the heterogeneous roles of microvesicles in viral infections and immune modulation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the interplay between microvesicle pathways and viral replication.
• Analysis of how viruses recruit cellular machinery for release.
• Examination of microvesicle functions in modulating infection and immune responses.

Main Results:

• Viruses (e.g., herpesviruses, retroviruses) utilize microvesicle biogenesis pathways for release.
• Cells release virus-like vesicles containing both viral and cellular components.
• Microvesicles exhibit dual roles, potentially blocking or enhancing viral infections and causing immune dysregulation.

Conclusions:

• The biogenesis and function of microvesicles are intricately linked with viral strategies.
• Endogenous retroelements released via microvesicles suggest an ancient codependence or viral origin of the vesicle system.
• Further research into microvesicle functions during infection may unveil novel therapeutic targets.