Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles: Role in Pathogenesis and Host-Cell Interactions.

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are small, spherical structures released from the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria into the surrounding environment. Investigations into OMVs range from their biogenesis and cargo composition to their ability to transfer virulence factors and modulate host immune responses. This emerging understanding of OMVs has unveiled their pivotal role in the pathogenicity of infectious diseases, shedding light on their interactions with host cells, their contributions to inflammation, their potential involvement in antimicrobial resistance, and their promising use for the development of novel treatments and therapies.