Introduction
Infectious diseases remain a major global health challenge. Exosomes have emerged as important players in host-pathogen communication, influencing immune responses and pathogen spread. Their molecular cargo also provides opportunities for developing novel diagnostics and therapeutics.
Role of Exosomes in Viral Infections
Viruses can hijack exosomal pathways to facilitate infection or evade immunity:
- HIV: Viral proteins and RNA are incorporated into exosomes, modulating immune cells and promoting viral dissemination [1].
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Exosomes transfer viral RNA to naive cells, enhancing infection without direct viral entry [2].
- SARS-CoV-2: Recent studies suggest exosomes carry viral proteins and RNA, potentially contributing to immune modulation and disease severity [3].
Diagnostic Applications
Exosome cargo analysis offers non-invasive means to detect infectious agents:
- Viral RNA detection in plasma exosomes can enhance sensitivity compared to free viral RNA tests.
- Exosomal miRNAs dysregulated during infections serve as biomarkers for disease progression and severity.
Therapeutic Applications
- Exosome-based vaccines: Engineered exosomes presenting viral antigens stimulate robust immune responses [4].
- Drug delivery: Exosomes can deliver antiviral drugs or siRNAs targeting viral genes, improving delivery efficiency and reducing toxicity.
- Immunomodulation: Exosomes derived from immune cells can enhance antiviral immunity or suppress harmful inflammation.
Challenges and Future Directions
- Standardizing exosome isolation and characterization in infectious disease settings.
- Understanding exosome heterogeneity during acute vs. chronic infections.
- Translating promising preclinical findings into clinical trials.
Conclusion
Exosomes provide a versatile platform in infectious disease research, bridging diagnostics and therapeutics. Their continued study may lead to breakthroughs in managing emerging infections.
📚 References
- Narayanan A, et al. Exosomes from HIV-1-infected cells contain transactivation response element RNA. J Biol Chem. 2013;288(27):20014-20033. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M113.478509
- Bukong TN, et al. Exosomes from hepatitis C infected patients transmit HCV infection and contain replication competent viral RNA in complex with Ago2-miR122-HSP90. PLoS Pathog. 2014;10(10):e1004424. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1004424
- Barberis E, et al. Circulating exosomes are strongly involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Mol Biosci. 2021;8:632290. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2021.632290
- Anticoli S, et al. Exosome-based vaccines: recent progress and challenges. Vaccines. 2020;8(4):659. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8040659