Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles in Host Pathophysiology: Characteristics, Functions and Stress Tolerance

Dear Colleagues,

Microbial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as key mediators of communication within the microbiome and between microbes and their hosts. These nano-sized structures are involved in transporting a wide variety of bioactive molecules—such as proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites—that can significantly influence host immune responses and disease progression. Microbial EVs also contribute to microbial stress tolerance, enabling organisms to survive challenging environments by exporting harmful compounds and delivering protective factors to neighboring cells. Despite their importance, the mechanisms through which microbial EVs modulate physiological and pathological processes remain incompletely understood. Unraveling these mechanisms holds great promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies, including vesicle-based diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments for inflammatory, metabolic, and infectious diseases.

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that deepen our understanding of the biogenesis, cargo loading, stress tolerance, and functional roles of microbial EVs and their impact on host pathophysiology.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Studies on the mechanisms of microbial EV biogenesis;
• Investigations into the role of microbial EVs in microbe–host crosstalk and immune regulation;
• Research on the contribution of microbial EVs to the development or progression of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, and neurological diseases;
• Studies exploring microbial EVs as biomarkers for disease diagnosis or as vehicles for drug delivery;
• Advanced technical approaches for the isolation, characterization, and functional analysis of microbial EVs;
• Research on the role of microbial EVs in enhancing microbial stress tolerance, including responses to antibiotic treatment, oxidative stress, and other environmental challenges.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Junhua Xie
Guest Editor

Dr. Dingkang Wang
Dr. Xiayu Liu
Guest Editor Assistants

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• microbial extracellular vesicles
• interaction
• immunity
• stress tolerance
• pathophysiology
• therapy
• diagnosis