scholarly journals Small Extracellular Vesicles and COVID19—Using the “Trojan Horse” to Tackle the Giant

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3383
Author(s):  
Blanka Maria Borowiec ◽  
Ana Angelova Volponi ◽  
Paul Mozdziak ◽  
Bartosz Kempisty ◽  
Marta Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Intercellular Space ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Cell Entry ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
New Frontier ◽  
The Many

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global challenge, demanding researchers address different approaches in relation to prevention, diagnostics and therapeutics. Amongst the many tactics of tackling these therapeutic challenges, small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) or exosomes are emerging as a new frontier in the field of ameliorating viral infections. Exosomes are part of extracellular vesicles (EVs)—spherical biological structures with a lipid bilayer of a diameter of up to 5000 nm, which are released into the intercellular space by most types of eukaryotic cells, both in physiological and pathological states. EVs share structural similarities to viruses, such as small size, common mechanisms of biogenesis and mechanisms for cell entry. The role of EVs in promoting the viral spread by evading the immune response of the host, which is exhibited by retroviruses, indicates the potential for further investigation and possible manipulation of these processes when tackling the spread and treatment of COVID-19. The following paper introduces the topic of the use of exosomes in the treatment of viral infections, and presents the future prospects for the use of these EVs.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles in the Pathogenesis of Viral Infections in Humans

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen Caobi ◽  
Madhavan Nair ◽  
Andrea D. Raymond
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Response Modulation ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Neurotropic Viruses ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Immune Response Modulation ◽  
Potential Use

Most cells can release extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane vesicles containing various proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and signaling molecules. The exchange of EVs between cells facilitates intercellular communication, amplification of cellular responses, immune response modulation, and perhaps alterations in viral pathogenicity. EVs serve a dual role in inhibiting or enhancing viral infection and pathogenesis. This review examines the current literature on EVs to explore the complex role of EVs in the enhancement, inhibition, and potential use as a nanotherapeutic against clinically relevant viruses, focusing on neurotropic viruses: Zika virus (ZIKV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Overall, this review’s scope will elaborate on EV-based mechanisms, which impact viral pathogenicity, facilitate viral spread, and modulate antiviral immune responses.

scholarly journals Hesperidin and SARS-CoV-2: New Light on the Healthy Functions of Citrus Fruit

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Bellavite ◽  
Alberto Donzelli
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Citrus Sinensis ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Citrus Fruit ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Citrus Fruits ◽  
Early Proteins ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
The Many

Among the many approaches to COVID-19 prevention, the possible role of diet has so far been somewhat marginal. Nutrition is very rich in substances with a potential beneficial effect on health and some of these could have an antiviral action or in any case be important in modulating the immune system and in defending cells from the oxidative stress associated with infection. This short review draws the attention on some components of Citrus fruits and especially of the orange (Citrus sinensis), well known for its vitamin content, but less for the function of its flavonoids. Among the latter, hesperidin has recently attracted the attention of researchers, because it binds to the key proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Several computational methods, independently applied by different researchers, showed that hesperidin has a low binding energy both with the coronavirus "spike" protein, and with the main protease that transforms the early proteins of the virus (pp1a and ppa1b) into the complex responsible for viral replication. The affinity of hesperidin for these proteins is comparable if not superior to that of common chemical antivirals. The preventive efficacy of vitamin C, at dosage attainable by diet, against viral infections is controversial, but recent reviews suggest that this substance may be useful in case of increased stress on the immune system. Finally, the reasons that suggest undertaking appropriate research on the Citrus fruits addition in the diet, as a complementary prevention and treatment of COVID-19, are discussed.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles Orchestrate Immune and Tumor Interaction Networks

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3696
Author(s):  
Kevin Ho Wai Yim ◽  
Ala’a Al Hrout ◽  
Simone Borgoni ◽  
Richard Chahwan
Keyword(s):  
Communication Networks ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Intercellular Communication ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Surface Markers ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Intercellular Communications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as potent and intricate intercellular communication networks. From their first discovery almost forty years ago, several studies have bolstered our understanding of these nano-vesicular structures. EV subpopulations are now characterized by differences in size, surface markers, cargo, and biological effects. Studies have highlighted the importance of EVs in biology and intercellular communication, particularly during immune and tumor interactions. These responses can be equally mediated at the proteomic and epigenomic levels through surface markers or nucleic acid cargo signaling, respectively. Following the exponential growth of EV studies in recent years, we herein synthesize new aspects of the emerging immune–tumor EV-based intercellular communications. We also discuss the potential role of EVs in fundamental immunological processes under physiological conditions, viral infections, and tumorigenic conditions. Finally, we provide insights on the future prospects of immune–tumor EVs and suggest potential avenues for the use of EVs in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Nursing Home Safety: A Review of the Literature

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Scott-Cawiezell ◽  
Amy Vogelsmeier
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nursing Leadership ◽  
Organizational Studies ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
New Frontier ◽  
Growth Projection ◽  
The Many ◽  
Care Improvement

The number of older persons in the United States is rapidly growing and, based on this growth projection, the number of consumers needing nursing home (NH) care will likely triple in the next 10 years. Although NHs have been bombarded and scrutinized about the care that they provide, the concept of safety (specifically, error prevention) remains at the margin of most quality improvement efforts. The purpose of this review is to explore what has recently been written (2000–2005) about the evolution of the NH as an organization focused on safety and the most critical clinical processes that must be closely monitored for a safe NH environment to occur. After a thorough review of both organizational and clinical NH literature, 30 organizational studies and 39 clinically based studies were reviewed. The review revealed that, organizationally, teamwork, communication, and leadership all were critical in resident and staff outcomes and clinically, assessment was an important missing process at critical points in the residents’ care for prevention and timely treatment of potentially dangerous conditions. The value of the registered nurse (RN) in this setting was clear in the many assessment issues noted and the lack of RN guidance for adherence to recognized practice guidelines. To explicate the role of the RN, first, better outcome measures must be developed that are nurse sensitive. A second clear agenda for NH research is the explication of the role of leadership, particularly nursing leadership, to create an environment where open and accurate communication can be accomplished among all of the diverse NH roles. This will help all members of the team to identify care improvement opportunities. Finally, a new frontier for the NH setting is the use of technology and the need to harness the information that has set in the NH system for years. Information mastery for staff and leadership is a necessary aspect of the organization that must be developed to provide sound information for strategic and focused change to occur.

scholarly journals The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Demyelination of the Central Nervous System

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 9111
Author(s):  
José Antonio López-Guerrero ◽  
Inés Ripa ◽  
Sabina Andreu ◽  
Raquel Bello-Morales
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
Demyelinating Diseases ◽  
Parkinson’S Diseases ◽  
The Central Nervous System

It is being increasingly demonstrated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are deeply involved in the physiology of the central nervous system (CNS). Processes such as synaptic activity, neuron-glia communication, myelination and immune response are modulated by EVs. Likewise, these vesicles may participate in many pathological processes, both as triggers of disease or, on the contrary, as mechanisms of repair. EVs play relevant roles in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases, in viral infections of the CNS and in demyelinating pathologies such as multiple sclerosis (MS). This review describes the involvement of these membrane vesicles in major demyelinating diseases, including MS, neuromyelitis optica, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and demyelination associated to herpesviruses.

scholarly journals The Potential Roles of Extracellular Vesicles in Cigarette Smoke-Associated Diseases

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
A-Reum Ryu ◽  
Do Hyun Kim ◽  
Eunjoo Kim ◽  
Mi Young Lee
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Cigarette Smoke ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Diagnostic Biomarkers

Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,500 chemicals; most of which are highly reactive free radicals, which induce proinflammatory and carcinogenic reactions. Numerous efforts have focused extensively on the role of cigarette smoking as a cause of many diseases. Extracellular vesicles and exosomes have recently received increasing interest for their diagnostic and therapeutic roles in many diseases. However, research done on the role of extracellular vesicles and exosomes on cigarette smoke-induced chronic disease is still in its infancy. In this review, we summarize the recently addressed roles of extracellular vesicles and exosomes in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke-related diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and oral cancer. Moreover, their potential utilization and future prospects as diagnostic biomarkers for cigarette smoke-related diseases are described.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and Extracellular Vesicles: An Intriguing Interplay

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 661-670
Author(s):  
Gabriella Pocsfalvi ◽  
Ramila Mammadova ◽  
Ana Paulina Ramos Juarez ◽  
Ramesh Bokka ◽  
Francesco Trepiccione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Antiviral Drug ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Cargo Delivery ◽  
The Many ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome β-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has the potential to become a long-lasting global health crisis. The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has surpassed 22 million globally, resulting in over 700,000 deaths with more than 15 million people having recovered (https://covid19.who.int). Enormous efforts are underway for rapid vaccine and treatment developments. Amongst the many ways of tackling the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging. Summary: EVs are lipid bilayer-enclosed structures secreted from all types of cells, including those lining the respiratory tract. They have established roles in lung immunity and are involved in the pathogenesis of various lung diseases, including viral infection. In this review, we point out the roles and possible contribution of EVs in viral infections, as well as ongoing EV-based approaches for the treatment of COVID-19, including clinical trials. Key Messages: EVs share structural similarities to viruses and recent findings demonstrate that viruses exploit EVs for cellular exit and EVs exploit viral entry mechanisms for cargo delivery. Moreover, EV-virus interplay could be exploited for future antiviral drug and vaccine development. EV-based therapies, especially the mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs, are being intensively studied for the treatment of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles in Viral Spread and Antiviral Response

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Bello-Morales ◽  
Inés Ripa ◽  
José Antonio López-Guerrero
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Host Immune Response ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Viral Responses ◽  
Hsv 1

Viral spread by both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses may be mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes. These secreted vesicles have been demonstrated to be an efficient mechanism that viruses can use to enter host cells, enhance spread or evade the host immune response. However, the complex interplay between viruses and EVs gives rise to antagonistic biological tasks—to benefit the viruses, enhancing infection and interfering with the immune system or to benefit the host, by mediating anti-viral responses. Exosomes from cells infected with herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) may transport viral and host transcripts, proteins and innate immune components. This virus may also use MVs to expand its tropism and evade the host immune response. This review aims to describe the current knowledge about EVs and their participation in viral infection, with a specific focus on the role of exosomes and MVs in herpesvirus infections, particularly that of HSV-1.

scholarly journals Large Extracellular Vesicles—A New Frontier of Liquid Biopsy in Oncology

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaetano Pezzicoli ◽  
Marco Tucci ◽  
Domenica Lovero ◽  
Franco Silvestris ◽  
Camillo Porta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Dna Sequencing ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Liquid Biopsy ◽  
Cancer Biomarkers ◽  
The Other ◽  
New Frontier ◽  
Commercial Kits

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are emerging as pivotal elements in cancer. Many studies have focused on the role of Small- (S)-EVs but in recent years Large-(L)-EVs have progressively gained increasing interest due to their peculiar content and functions. Tumor-derived L-EVs carry a lot of oncogenic proteins, nucleic acids and lipids to recipient cells and are involved in the reshaping of the tumor microenvironment as well as in the metabolic rewiring and the promotion of the pro-metastatic attitude of cancer cells. Several techniques have been developed for the isolation of L-EVs and commercial kits are also available for efficient and easy recovery of these vesicles. Also, the improvement in DNA sequencing and “omics sciences” profoundly changed the way to analyze and explore the molecular content of L-EVs, thus providing novel and potentially useful cancer biomarkers. Herein, we review the most recent findings concerning the role of L-EVs in cancer and discuss their possible use in oncology as “liquid biopsy” tools as compared to the other classes of EVs.

scholarly journals The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Viral Infection and Transmission

Vaccines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Urbanelli ◽  
Sandra Buratta ◽  
Brunella Tancini ◽  
Krizia Sagini ◽  
Federica Delo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Secretory Pathway ◽  
Cell Entry ◽  
Host Factors ◽  
Intercellular Signaling ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Infected Cells

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been found to be released by any type of cell and can be retrieved in every circulating body fluid, namely blood (plasma, serum), saliva, milk, and urine. EVs were initially considered a cellular garbage disposal tool, but later it became evident that they are involved in intercellular signaling. There is evidence that viruses can use EV endocytic routes to enter uninfected cells and hijack the EV secretory pathway to exit infected cells, thus illustrating that EVs and viruses share common cell entry and biogenesis mechanisms. Moreover, EVs play a role in immune response against viral pathogens. EVs incorporate and spread both viral and host factors, thereby prompting or inhibiting immune responses towards them via a multiplicity of mechanisms. The involvement of EVs in immune responses, and their potential use as agents modulating viral infection, will be examined. Although further studies are needed, the engineering of EVs could package viral elements or host factors selected for their immunostimulatory properties, to be used as vaccines or tolerogenic tools in autoimmune diseases.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document