Abstract
As part of their life cycle, Gram-negative bacteria produce and release microvesicles (outer membrane vesicles, OMVs) consisting of spherical protrusions of the outer membrane that encapsulate periplasmic contents. OMVs produced by commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of animals are dispersed within the gut lumen with their cargo and enzymes being distributed across and throughout the GI tract. Their ultimate destination and fate is unclear although they can interact with and cross the intestinal epithelium using different entry pathways and access underlying immune cells in the lamina propria. OMVs have also been found in the bloodstream from which they can access various tissues and possibly the brain. The nanosize and non-replicative status of OMVs together with their resistance to enzyme degradation and low pH, alongside their ability to interact with the host, make them ideal candidates for delivering biologics to mucosal sites, such as the GI and the respiratory tract. In this mini-review, we discuss the fate of OMVs produced in the GI tract of animals with a focus on vesicles released by Bacteroides species and the use of OMVs as vaccine delivery vehicles and other potential applications.
Highlights
The production and release of membrane vesicles from microbial surfaces is a process that is conserved across the three domains of life
outer membrane vesicle (OMV) contents are protected from enzymatic degradation by a lipid bilayer envelope that protects against the harsh extracellular environments of the GI tract [8,9]
We provide a brief update on the use of OMVs as mucosal delivery vehicles for biologics
Summary
The production and release of membrane vesicles from microbial surfaces is a process that is conserved across the three domains of life. OMVs from Gram-negative bacterial species are produced and released into the intestinal lumen [10,11] enabling them to affect their environment remotely from their parent cells. Gram-negative OMVs can use several routes to cross the intestinal epithelial barrier, which differ according to bacterial species [15].
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.
