Exosomes Modulate the Viral Replication and Host Immune Responses in HBV Infection

Figure 1

The characteristics of exosomes. (a) Exosomes are nanovesicles originated from membranes, the diameter from 30 nm to150 nm. In normal and pathological conditions, cells release exosomes to extracellular matrix and can be detected in many types of body fluids (serum, plasma, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, urine, tears, sweat, etc.) and cell culture supernatants. (b) Exosomes play the role of information transactors among cells through three ways: (1) fusion directly with the target cell membrane; (2) the exosomal ligands binding to receptors of target cell; (3) the soluble components of exosomal proteins active endocytosis of target cells. Then, exosomes transfer bioactive nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids to target cells.

(a)

(b)