iBB

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane bound structures released by cells into the extracellular space. They have been shown to transport different molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids and lipids to other cells, serving as vehicles of intracellular communication. EVs have also been shown to play important roles during viral and bacterial infection. Viruses can hijack the biogenesis of EVs to promote viral spreading. Additionally, these EVs are also important mediators in inflammation and immune responses during both bacterial and viral infections. A recent publication in the journal Pharmaceutics, by Diogo Gonçalves, Sandra Pinto and Fábio Fernandes (from iBB/IST), reviews these mechanisms and described the impact of bacterial EVs in regulating immune. Finally, the review also focuses on the potential and challenges of using EVs to tackle infectious diseases.