Exosome-based immunomodulation during aging: A nano-perspective on inflamm-aging
Francesco Prattichizzo1, Luigina Micolucci2, Monica Cricca3
1August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS) and Centre of Biomedical Investigation on Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders Network (CIBERDEM), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|March 6, 2017
Summary
Exosomes, tiny vesicles, play a role in immune responses and communication with the body's own cells and the virome. Understanding exosome function offers insights into aging and age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Exosomes are nanovesicles involved in intercellular communication, carrying proteins, RNA, and DNA.
- They modulate immune responses, distinguishing self from non-self, and interact with the host's virome.
- Exosomes are implicated in inflamm-aging, a chronic inflammatory state associated with aging and age-related diseases (ARDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on exosome-mediated trafficking.
- To explore the role of exosomes in inflamm-aging and health maintenance.
- To provide a nano-perspective on the interplay between exosomes, the immune system, and the virome.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of exosome biology and function.
- Analysis of exosome involvement in immune recognition and intercellular communication.
- Synthesis of data on exosomal alterations in aging and ARDs.
Main Results:
- Exosomes act as antigen-presenting vesicles and information carriers.
- Shared characteristics exist between exosome biogenesis and the human virome.
- Exosomal alterations are observed during aging and in association with ARDs.
Conclusions:
- Exosomes are crucial in immune surveillance and maintaining health throughout life.
- Exosomes offer a potential therapeutic target for modulating inflamm-aging and ARDs.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate exosome function in aging and disease.
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