Trichinella-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Implications and Future Prospects

Parasite extracellular vesicles (EVs) are concise and versatile messages for parasite-parasite and parasite-host crosstalk. These vesicles are loaded with a cargo of diverse heterogeneous molecules, some of which are of potent immunomodulatory nature, and others have specific functions. Those EVs carrying the Trichinella signature are no exception. They play pivotal roles in the establishment of the parasite inside its niche within the host, ensuring better survival for both. They can also serve as biomarkers for diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis of Trichinella infection. Owing to their immunogenicity and durability, they are excellent candidates for vaccine development. Moreover, enriched by the parasite's elements, these intriguing EVs could protect the host from a wide array of inflammatory conditions associated with immune dysregulation such as inflammatory bowel disease and airway hyperreactivity, as evidenced by well-conducted experimental preclinical research. In sum, the potentials of Trichinella EVs seem enormous, awaiting only to be better characterized and conditioned for use in diagnostics and therapeutics. Detailed proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of the nature of these parasite-derived elements could provide invaluable insights into parasite biology and its interplay with the host at the same time.