Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy of Extracellular Vesicles in Three Dimensions
Published on: August 26, 2021
Extracellular Vesicles in Epstein-Barr Virus Pathogenesis
Allaura S Cone1, Sara B York1, David G Meckes1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a known determinant for numerous malignancies and may contribute to autoimmune diseases. The underlining mechanisms behind EBV pathologies is not completely understood. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from infected cells have been found to produce profound effects on cellular microenvironments. Therefore, in this review we sought to critically evaluate the roles of EVs in EBV pathogenesis and assess their potential therapeutic and diagnostic utility.
Recent Findings:
EBV-altered EVs are capable of activating signaling cascades and phenotypic changes in recipient cells through the transfer of viral proteins and RNAs. Moreover, several EV-associated microRNAs have encouraging prognostic or diagnostic potential in EBV-associated cancers.
Summary:
Current evidence suggests that EBV-modified EVs affect viral pathogenesis and cancer progression. However, further research is needed to investigate the direct role of both viral and host products on recipient cells and the mechanisms driving viral protein and RNA EV packaging and content modification.
Related Concept Videos
Intralumenal Vesicles and Multivesicular Bodies
Overview of Exosomes
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Receptor-mediated Endocytosis
Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of LDL
One well-characterized example of receptor-mediated endocytosis is the...
Overview of Secretory Vesicles
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
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...

