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Extracellular vesicles of human pathogenic fungi

Ewa Bielska1, Robin C May1

  • 1Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|July 8, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Fungal extracellular vesicles are key in cell communication and disease. Understanding these vesicles offers new strategies for developing antifungal therapies and combating fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for cell-to-cell communication, pathogenesis, and cancer progression.
  • The role of EVs in fungi, particularly in fungal pathophysiology and host-pathogen interactions, is largely unexplored.
  • Emerging research indicates fungal EVs influence antimicrobial activities and virulence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of fungal extracellular vesicles.
  • To discuss the biogenesis, secretion, and size variation of fungal EVs.
  • To explore the influence of fungal EVs on the human immune response and identify unanswered questions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on fungal extracellular vesicles.
  • Synthesis of information regarding EV biogenesis and secretion mechanisms in fungi.
  • Analysis of studies investigating fungal EV impact on host immunity.

Main Results:

  • Fungal EVs are involved in modulating virulence and triggering antimicrobial activities.
  • EVs represent a potential target for novel antifungal therapies.
  • Significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the precise mechanisms and full impact of fungal EVs.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal extracellular vesicles are significant mediators of fungal biology and host interactions.
  • Further research into fungal EVs is essential for developing effective antifungal strategies.
  • Understanding fungal EV roles is critical for advancing treatments against fungal diseases.

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