Exosomes are a class of small extracellular vesicles. The lipid double-layer membrane envelops bioactive molecules including proteins and nucleic acids, which is transported throughout the body through the body fluid. Previous studies have indicated that exosomes play significant roles in viral infection. Viruses need to complete the life cycle in the host cells and release nascent virions, which partially coincides with the production and secretion of exosomes. On one hand, viruses hijack exosomes, and load their components into exosomes to escape from the host immune response and promote the replication. On the other hand, the host seizes exosomes to deliver antiviral factors to resist viral infection. The purpose of this review is to provide new insights into relevant research by discussing the roles of exosomes in viral infection from the perspective of both viruses and hosts.
外泌体是一类小型的细胞外囊泡，可以包裹蛋白质、核酸等生物活性分子随体液循环到达机体各处，具有广泛的信息传递作用。研究发现，外泌体在病毒感染宿主的过程中也扮演着重要的角色。病毒需要在宿主细胞内完成复制周期并释放子代病毒，而这一过程与外泌体的产生及分泌途径有共通的部分。一方面，病毒可以“挟持”外泌体并将自身成分装入其中，逃避宿主的免疫应答，促进其在细胞间的传播。另一方面，宿主细胞也可利用外泌体传递抗病毒因子以抑制病毒感染。文中旨在从病毒与宿主两方面阐述外泌体在病毒感染宿主过程中的作用，以期为该领域的研究提供新的思路。.
Keywords: antiviral effect; exosomes; immune escape; viruses.