Extracellular vesicles and host-parasite interactions

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a collection of small membrane-surrounded structures released by nearly all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They contain bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, metabolites, and nucleic acids including non-coding micro RNA (miRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA) in an evolutionarily conserved manner. These bioactive molecules play a crucial role in transmitting information, and genetic cargo without direct contact between cells. In fact, EVs gained significant attention in the last decade due to their contributions to cell-to-cell communication and disease pathogenicity. In parasitic infections, EVs mediate communication during host-parasite interactions through the influence of parasite-derived molecules, and EVs released from the host immune cells that are triggered by the parasitic antigens. Besides, EVs facilitate the transfer of virulence factors with subsequent regulation of both parasite and host gene expressions, and modulation of host immune responses. Understanding the mechanisms regulating EVs biogenesis and functions would certainly lead to identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, novel therapeutic and protective approaches. To understand the cellular processes governed by EVs system biology, and how infection influences EV biogenesis, several approaches were utilized to isolate EVs and characterize their functions. The objective of the present review is to highlight EVs' impact on the major three eras of Parasitology research namely diagnosis, treatment, and control.