Review
Dual role of exosomes in viral infection: immune activation and immune escape
Zhou Yuantao, He Xiaoli, Zhang Yu, Tao Lyuyan, Liu Xiaoning, Liu Haifeng, Li Li
Published 2021-09-30
Cite as Chin J Microbiol Immunol, 2021, 41(9): 731-735. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112309-20201021-00484
Abstract
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles containing a variety of cell membrane molecules and related protein. They have been found to act as important intercellular messengers carrying functional RNAs, proteins and lipids that can induce phenotypic changes in recipient cells and promote cell activation or inhibition effect. In recent years, some studies have shown that exosomes can not only play an immune activation role to trigger antiviral immune response after viral infection, but also help to spread virus among cells, thus contributing to viral immune escape. Exosomes can either spread or limit an infection depending on the type of pathogen and the features of source cells, and can be studied as potential targets for development of antiviral drugs and vaccines. This review summarized the role of exosomes in viral infections with an emphasis on their potential contribution to pathogenesis.
Key words:
Exosomes; Viral infection; Immune activation; Immune escape
Contributor Information
Zhou Yuantao
Institution of Pediatrics Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children′s Major Disease Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
He Xiaoli
Institution of Pediatrics Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children′s Major Disease Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Zhang Yu
Institution of Pediatrics Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children′s Major Disease Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Tao Lyuyan
Institution of Pediatrics Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children′s Major Disease Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Liu Xiaoning
Institution of Pediatrics Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Department of Pharmacy, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Liu Haifeng
Institution of Pediatrics Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children′s Major Disease Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Li Li
Institution of Pediatrics Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children′s Major Disease Research, Kunming Children′s Hospital, Kunming 650228, China
