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Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Legionella pneumophila Outer Membrane Vesicles: Isolation and Analysis of Their Pro-inflammatory Potential on Macrophages
Published on: February 22, 2017
Bacterial Membrane Vesicles: Physiological Roles, Infection Immunology, and Applications
Yixiao Gan1, Gang Zhao2, Zhicheng Wang1
1Department of Transfusion Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Bacterial or fungal membrane vesicles, traditionally considered as microbial metabolic wastes, are secreted mainly from the outer membrane or cell membrane of microorganisms. However, recent studies have shown that these vesicles play essential roles in direct or indirect communications among microorganisms and between microorganisms and hosts. This review aims to provide an updated understanding of the physiological functions and emerging applications of bacterial membrane vesicles, with a focus on their biogenesis, mechanisms of adsorption and invasion into host cells, immune stimulatory effects, and roles in the much-concerned problem of bacterial resistance. Additionally, the potential applications of these vesicles as biomarkers, vaccine candidates, and drug delivery platforms are discussed.
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