Microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles in interkingdom communication in the gut

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The intestine harbors a vast microbial community (gut microbiota) crucial for human health.
• Bidirectional communication between microbiota and host occurs without direct cell contact.
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from both microbiota and host are key mediators of this interkingdom crosstalk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on microbiota-derived EVs.
• To highlight the role of bacterial EVs in host health and disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on microbiota EVs.
• Analysis of evidence for bacterial EV functions in host cells.

Main Results:

• Bacterial EVs transport effector molecules into host cells.
• These molecules modulate host signaling pathways and cellular processes.
• Microbiota EVs influence host metabolism, intestinal barrier integrity, and immune training.

Conclusions:

• Microbiota-derived EVs are critical effectors in the gut ecosystem.
• Understanding microbiota EVs offers insights into health and disease mechanisms.
• Bacterial EVs play a significant role in host-microbe interactions.