Fungal Extracellular Vesicles in Interkingdom Communication

Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2021:432:81-88. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-83391-6_8.

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as a key method of communication between cells. In this chapter, we examine the evidence for their role in inter-kingdom communication, in particular in the context of pathogenic fungi and their hosts. We detail what is known about modes of EV-driven communication, the consequences for host-pathogen interactions and the compositional and physical properties of the vesicles themselves. Looking forward, we point to the growing need for a detailed understanding of the heterogeneity of EV populations. This heterogeneity is likely to be key in understanding the diversity of responses to fungal infection in humans.

MeSH terms

  • Extracellular Vesicles*
  • Fungi
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Mycoses*