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Exosomes secreted by nematode parasites transfer small RNAs to mammalian cells and modulate innate immunity

Amy H Buck1, Gillian Coakley1, Fabio Simbari1

  • 11] Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK [2] Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK.

Nature Communications
|November 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Parasitic worms secrete RNA-filled vesicles called exosomes to manipulate host immunity. These exosomes suppress immune responses, revealing a conserved mechanism of inter-species RNA transfer in helminth infections.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • RNA can be transferred between mammalian cells via vesicles.
  • Helminths are parasitic worms that infect various hosts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if parasitic nematodes secrete RNA-containing vesicles.
  • To determine the mechanism of helminth-host interaction involving RNA transfer.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of vesicles secreted by Heligmosomoides polygyrus.
  • In vivo administration of nematode exosomes to mice.
  • In vitro analysis of mouse cells incubated with nematode exosomes.
  • Reporter assays to confirm miRNA-mediated gene repression.

Main Results:

  • Heligmosomoides polygyrus secretes intestinal exosomes containing microRNAs (miRNAs), Y RNAs, and a nematode Argonaute protein.
  • Nematode exosomes suppressed Type 2 innate immune responses and eosinophilia in mice.
  • Nematode miRNAs were identified in the serum of mice infected with Litomosoides sigmodontis, indicating conserved miRNA secretion.

Conclusions:

  • Exosomes represent a mechanism for helminths to transfer RNA and manipulate host responses.
  • This study provides a framework for understanding RNA transfer between animal species.
  • Helminth-derived exosomes can suppress host immune responses, impacting host-parasite dynamics.

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