Microvesicles and exosomes as vehicles between protozoan and host cell communication

Biochem Soc Trans. 2013 Feb 1;41(1):252-7. doi: 10.1042/BST20120217.

Abstract

Cells release extracellular vesicles in response to external factors or in a physiological way. Microvesicles and exosomes originate in cells in different ways and, depending on their contents, may have multiple biological effects on other cells and the environment. The host cell-parasite relationship could be changed dramatically by the plasticity of a new type of communication through extracellular vesicles. In the present paper, we discuss how protozoans use this new resource to evade the immune system and establish infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Communication*
  • Eukaryota / immunology
  • Exosomes*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate