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Helminth extracellular vesicles in host-parasite interactions.
Lucienne Tritten1, Timothy G Geary2
1Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|September 3, 2018
Summary
Parasitic helminth extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo play key roles in host-parasite interactions. These EVs modulate host immunity, influencing the relationship between parasite and host.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by parasitic helminths.
- EVs contain proteins and small RNAs.
- EVs are implicated in host-parasite interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize existing data on the effects of parasite-derived EVs on hosts.
- To highlight the immunomodulatory functions of EV cargo.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on helminth EVs.
- Analysis of reported protein and small RNA contents of EVs.
- Compilation of data on host responses to parasite EVs.
Main Results:
- Parasite-derived EVs possess immunomodulatory functions.
- EV protein and small RNA cargo influence host responses.
- EVs are key mediators in host-parasite relationships.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular vesicles are critical components in helminth infections.
- Understanding EV cargo is essential for deciphering host-parasite communication.
- Parasite EVs represent potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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