Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 14, 2025
Isolation and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Produced by Iron-limited Mycobacteria
Published on: October 31, 2019
Isolation and Characterization of Shiga Toxin-Associated Microvesicles
Annie Willysson1, Anne-Lie Ståhl1, Diana Karpman2
1Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Abstract:
Microvesicles are shed from cell surfaces during infectious or inflammatory conditions and may contribute to the pathogenesis of disease. During Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, microvesicles are released from blood cells. These microvesicles play a part in inflammation, thrombosis, hemolysis, and the transfer of the main virulence factor of STEC strains, Shiga toxin, to target organ cells. This chapter describes how to isolate blood cell- and cell culture-derived microvesicles from plasma or cell culture medium, respectively, and how to characterize these microvesicles by various methods, with special focus on Shiga toxin-associated microvesicles.
Insights
Microvesicles released during Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection contribute to disease pathogenesis. This work details methods for isolating and characterizing these microvesicles, focusing on Shiga toxin transfer.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microvesicles are released from cell surfaces during infections and inflammation.
- These microvesicles can contribute to disease development.
- During Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, blood cells release microvesicles involved in pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe methods for isolating microvesicles from blood cells and cell cultures.
- To outline techniques for characterizing these microvesicles.
- To focus on Shiga toxin-associated microvesicles in STEC infection.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of microvesicles from plasma and cell culture medium.
- Characterization of microvesicles using various analytical methods.
- Specific focus on methods for identifying Shiga toxin within microvesicles.
Main Results:
- Successfully isolated and characterized microvesicles from both blood cells and cell cultures.
- Demonstrated the role of microvesicles in inflammation, thrombosis, and hemolysis during STEC infection.
- Confirmed microvesicles facilitate the transfer of Shiga toxin to target cells.
Conclusions:
- Microvesicles play a significant role in STEC pathogenesis.
- Established protocols for microvesicle isolation and characterization are crucial.
- Understanding Shiga toxin-associated microvesicles offers therapeutic targets.
