Extracellular Vesicles From Mycoplasma gallisepticum: Modulators of Macrophage Activation and Virulence

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication by transporting proteins. To investigate the pathogenesis of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), a major threat to the poultry industry, we isolated and characterized MG-produced EVs. Our study highlights the significant impact of MG-derived EVs on immune function and macrophage apoptosis, setting them apart from other MG metabolites. These EVs dose-dependently enhance MG adhesion and proliferation, simultaneously modulating TLR2 and IFN-γ pathways, thereby inhibiting macrophage activation. A comprehensive protein analysis revealed 117 proteins in MG-derived EVs, including established virulence factors such as GapA, CrmA, VlhA, and CrmB. Crucially, these EV-associated proteins significantly contribute to MG infection. Our findings advance our comprehension of MG pathogenesis, offering insights for preventive strategies, and emphasize the pivotal role of MG-derived EVs and their associated proteins. This research sheds light on the composition and crucial role of MG-derived EVs in MG pathogenesis, aiding our fight against MG infections.