Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles: Emerging Regulators in the Gut-Organ Axis and Prospective Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Gut microbiota metabolites critically influence host health.
• Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are emerging as key mediators of microbial-host interactions.
• BEVs transport bioactive substances and signaling molecules, impacting various physiological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the biogenesis of bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs).
• To elucidate the regulatory roles of BEVs in gut-organ axis diseases.
• To explore the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of BEVs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review.
• Analysis of existing research on BEV biogenesis and function.
• Exploration of potential applications in disease diagnosis and prevention.

Main Results:

• BEVs play significant roles in the gut-organ axis, affecting the central nervous system, kidneys, liver, bones, lungs, cardiovascular system, and metabolism.
• BEVs are involved in intercellular communication and modulation of host immune responses.
• The composition and function of BEVs are influenced by bacterial species and host environment.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are crucial mediators in gut-host crosstalk, impacting multiple organ systems.
• BEVs hold significant promise for the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.
• Further research into BEV biology will facilitate the creation of innovative tools for disease management.