Exosome Biogenesis and Biological Function in Response to Viral Infections

Brennetta J Crenshaw1, Linlin Gu2, Brian Sims3

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, USA.

The Open Virology Journal
|November 13, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Exosomes, tiny vesicles involved in cell communication, play a critical role in viral infections by influencing host responses and immunity. This review explores exosome biogenesis, composition, and therapeutic potential in viral pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Exosomes are extracellular vesicles involved in intercellular communication, transferring proteins, lipids, and RNAs.
  • Exosomes and viruses share structural and molecular similarities, suggesting a complex interplay.
  • The role of exosomes in viral infections is an emerging area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of exosome biogenesis and composition during DNA, RNA, and retroviral infections.
  • To explore the potential of exosomes as therapeutic agents and vaccine vehicles.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on exosome biogenesis and viral infections.
  • Analysis of exosome-host-pathogen interactions.
  • Evaluation of exosome-based therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Viral hijacking of the exosomal pathway influences host cell responses.
  • Exosomes from infected cells carry viral and host factors, modulating pathogenesis.
  • Exosomes can activate antiviral mechanisms and facilitate intercellular antiviral factor transport.

Conclusions:

  • Exosomes are integral to viral pathogenesis and host antiviral responses.
  • Understanding exosome dynamics in infection is crucial for developing novel therapies.
  • Exosomes hold promise as therapeutic agents and vaccine delivery systems.

Related Concept Videos

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
2.0K
Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses02:45

Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses

The circadian—or biological—clock is an intrinsic, timekeeping, molecular mechanism that allows plants to coordinate physiological activities over 24-hour cycles called circadian rhythms. Photoperiodism is a collective term for the biological responses of plants to variations in the relative lengths of dark and light periods. The period of light-exposure is called the photoperiod.
41.7K
Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
25.1K
Viral Structure00:56

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
74.5K
Overview of Exosomes01:36

Overview of Exosomes

Exosomes are stable, lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles capable of crossing biological barriers. They can carry a wide range of molecules required for intercellular communication. Once exosomes are released from the cell where they originated, they enter a recipient cell through various pathways such as fusion, receptor-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis.
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
3.7K
What is Conservation Biology?01:57

What is Conservation Biology?

Conservation biology is a scientific field that focuses on the preservation of biodiversity in order to protect ecosystems while meeting the needs of the human population. Humans require properly functioning ecosystems to maintain our supply of natural resources, including food, medicines, and building materials.
24.3K