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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy of Extracellular Vesicles in Three Dimensions
09:36

Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy of Extracellular Vesicles in Three Dimensions

Published on: August 26, 2021

The unusual suspects: the role of extracellular vesicles in host/pathogens interactions

Manon Le Fé1, Matteo Bonazzi1

  • 1IRIM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|July 17, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key players in antibacterial immunity, acting as messengers for host defense. However, bacterial pathogens can hijack EVs, turning this defense mechanism into a tool for infection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial mediators of intercellular communication.
  • Host-derived EVs play a significant role in antibacterial immunity.
  • Bacterial pathogens can manipulate EV pathways for their own benefit.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual role of EVs in host defense and bacterial pathogenesis.
  • To explore how bacterial pathogens subvert EV-mediated host defense mechanisms.
  • To discuss limitations and opportunities in targeting EVs during infection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on EVs in infection.
  • Analysis of EV biogenesis and cargo sorting in the context of bacterial infection.
  • Examination of host-pathogen interactions involving EVs.

Main Results:

  • EVs act as critical effectors of antibacterial immunity, transmitting signals and presenting antigens.
  • Pathogens have evolved strategies to suppress EV release, alter cargo, or use EVs to deliver virulence factors.
  • The net effect of EVs in infection is highly context-dependent.

Conclusions:

  • EVs are double-edged swords in infection, serving as both host defense tools and pathogen weapons.
  • Understanding EV manipulation by bacteria is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting infection-derived EVs presents translational opportunities for treating bacterial infections.

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