Cargoes of exosomes function as potential biomarkers for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Front Immunol. 2023 Oct 18:14:1254347. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254347. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Exosomes as double-membrane vesicles contain various contents of lipids, proteins, mRNAs and non-coding RNAs, and involve in multiple physiological processes, for instance intercellular communication and immunomodulation. Currently, numerous studies found that the components of exosomal proteins, nucleic acids or lipids released from host cells are altered following infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Exosomal contents provide excellent biomarkers for the auxiliary diagnosis, efficacy evaluation, and prognosis of tuberculosis. This study aimed to review the current literatures detailing the functions of exosomes in the procedure of M. tuberculosis infection, and determine the potential values of exosomes as biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of tuberculosis.

Keywords: biomarkers; diagnosis; exosomes; mycobacterium tuberculosis; tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cell Communication
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lipids
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis*
  • Tuberculosis* / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis* / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Lipids

Grants and funding

This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 82002111) and the Suzhou Science and Technology Development Plan Project (grant no. SKY2022078).