Abstract
Exosomes are membranous nanovesicles of endocytic origin that carry host and pathogen derived genomic, proteomic, and lipid cargos. Exosomes are secreted by most cell types into the extracellular milieu and are subsequently internalized by recipient cells. Upon internalization, exosomes condition recipient cells by donating their cargos and/or activating various signal transduction pathways, consequently regulating physiological and pathophysiological processes. The role of exosomes in viral pathogenesis, especially human immunodeficiency virus type 1 [HIV-1] is beginning to unravel. Recent research reports suggest that exosomes from various sources play important but different roles in the pathogenesis of HIV-1. From these reports, it appears that the source of exosomes is the defining factor for the exosomal effect on HIV-1. In this review, we will describe how HIV-1 infection is modulated by exosomes and in turn how exosomes are targeted by HIV-1 factors. Finally, we will discuss potentially emerging therapeutic options based on exosomal cargos that may have promise in preventing HIV-1 transmission.
Highlights
Exosomes were discovered over 30 years ago when two different research groups led by PhilipStahl [1] and Rose Johnstone [2] independently described multivesicular late endosome back fusionViruses 2015, 7 to reticulocyte plasma membranes resulting in release of vesicular cargo, later termed exosomes [3].Interest in exosomes was renewed in 1996 when exosomes secreted from B lymphocytes were shown to present major histocompatibility class II—antigen complexes to T lymphocytes [4]
The exact mechanism of action of semen-derived exosomes is yet to be determined, we found that semen-derived exosomes exert a post-entry block on HIV-1 replication by orchestrating deleterious effects on virion-associated reverse transcriptase (RT) activity, thereby impairing particle infectivity [24]
Based on recent observations that exosomes derived from human breast milk [29] and from human semen [24,27] control HIV-1 infection of cells in culture (Figure 3), the anti-HIV effectors in biofluid exosomes or biofluid exosome based synthetic nanoparticle delivery systems can potentially be used as therapeutics in HIV-1 prevention and/or treatment
Summary
Exosomes were discovered over 30 years ago when two different research groups led by Philip. Exosomes have been implicated in modulation of host immune responses and microbial pathogenesis. In these roles, exosomes mediate intercellular communications [24,25,26,27], thereby providing the host with a mechanism to mount efficient immune responses against pathogens, including activation of antiviral pathways or transfer of antiviral factors between different cells [24,27,28,29]. Exosomes can enable the virus to overcome host immunity by delivering viral antagonists or proviral/virulence factors to target cells [30,31]. The role of exosomes in HIV-1 pathogenesis may be significant and underappreciated
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
