Role of Outer Membrane Vesicles in Bacterial Physiology and Host Cell Interactions

Abstract Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are spherical particles shed from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, which contain the typical components present in the outer membrane, although enrichment of specific molecules may occur, and furthermore a variety of periplasmic components and occasionally some inner membrane or cytoplasmic fractions. Although the detailed mechanisms of OMV biogenesis are not fully illuminated yet, several models have been proposed that demonstrate OMV biogenesis is an orchestrated well-regulated process. OMV secretion offers a way for both intra- and inter-species bacterial communication and for interaction or modulation of the bacterial environment. Therefore, OMVs have proven to be functionally versatile and important for bacterial physiology and survival of the host environment. In the host, OMVs are internalized via host cell endocytosis pathways, allowing them to subsequently trigger a variety of cellular responses. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in establishing the mechanisms involved in OMV biogenesis and the impact of OMVs on bacterial physiology and intracellular modulation of the host.