An in-depth exploration of the multifaceted roles of EVs in the context of pathogenic single-cell microorganisms

Abstract

SUMMARY Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized throughout scientific communities as potential vehicles of intercellular communication in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, thereby influencing various physiological and pathological functions of both parent and recipient cells. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted roles of EVs in the context of bacteria and protozoan parasite EVs, shedding light on their contributions to physiological processes and disease pathogenesis. These studies highlight EVs as a conserved mechanism of cellular communication, which may lead us to important breakthroughs in our understanding of infection, mechanisms of pathogenesis, and as indicators of disease. Furthermore, EVs are involved in host–microbe interactions, offering insights into the strategies employed by bacteria and protozoan parasites to modulate host responses, evade the immune system, and establish infections.