Extracellular vesicles deliver RNA to promote host immunity and bacterial killing.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to carry microbial components and function in the host defense against infections. In this study, we demonstrate that () RNA is delivered into macrophage-derived EVs through an SecA2-dependent pathway and that EVs released from -infected macrophages stimulate a host RIG-I/MAVS/TBK1/IRF3 RNA sensing pathway, leading to type I interferon production in recipient cells. These EVs also promote, in a RIG-I/MAVS-dependent manner, the maturation of -containing phagosomes through a noncanonical LC3 pathway, leading to increased bacterial killing.

Imidazo[1,2-a]Pyridine-3-Carboxamides Are Active Antimicrobial Agents against Mycobacterium avium Infection In Vivo.

A panel of six imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-carboxamides (IAPs) were shown to have low-micromolar activity against Mycobacterium avium strains. Compound ND-10885 (compound 2) showed significant activity in the lung, spleen, and liver in a mouse M. avium infection model.

Targeting soluble proteins to exosomes using a ubiquitin tag.

As "natural" antigen carriers in the body, exosomes are potential vaccine vectors. A number of animal studies indicate that antigen-containing exosomes can induce a specific immune response which can protect against tumor progression or various infections. Exosomes that carry the protective antigens can be purified from cells that release them including tumor cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages.

Exosomes carrying mycobacterial antigens can protect mice against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Approximately 2 billion people are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), and an estimated 1.5 million individuals die annually from TB. Presently, Mycobacterium bovis BCG remains the only licensed TB vaccine; however, previous studies suggest its protective efficacy wanes over time and fails in preventing pulmonary TB.

Exosomes isolated from mycobacteria-infected mice or cultured macrophages can recruit and activate immune cells in vitro and in vivo.

More than 2 billion people are infected with Mycobacterium. tuberculosis; however, only 5-10% of those infected will develop active disease. Recent data suggest that containment is controlled locally at the level of the granuloma and that granuloma architecture may differ even within a single infected individual.

Exosomes released from M. tuberculosis infected cells can suppress IFN-γ mediated activation of naïve macrophages.

Background: Macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) are known to be refractory to IFN-γ stimulation. Previous studies have shown that M.