Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy of Extracellular Vesicles in Three Dimensions
Published on: August 26, 2021
Extracellular vesicles: the double-edged sword in viral infections
Sharda Kumari1, Arup Banerjee1
1Laboratory of Virology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science, Faridabad, India.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for intercellular communication and can carry viral signatures, aiding in disease diagnosis. This review explores how EVs influence viral infections and disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanocarriers involved in intercellular communication.
- EVs carry molecular cargo from infected cells, acting as potential biomarkers.
- Viruses exploit EV pathways for dissemination and disease modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted impact of EVs on viral infections.
- To explore the role of EVs in viral disease progression and intercellular signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on EVs and viral infections.
- Analysis of EV biogenesis and cargo in virus-infected cells.
- Synthesis of information on EV-mediated immune modulation during infection.
Main Results:
- EVs serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for infectious diseases.
- Viral infections alter EV production and cargo.
- EVs can carry immune modulatory molecules, influencing disease outcomes.
Conclusions:
- EVs play a significant role in the pathogenesis and spread of viral infections.
- Understanding EV-virus interactions is key for developing novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.
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...
Receptor-mediated Endocytosis
Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of LDL
One well-characterized example of receptor-mediated endocytosis is the...
Receptor-mediated Endocytosis
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...
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria

