Interactions of Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles with Bacteriophages: Minireview

Abstract

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) play a pivotal role in the dynamic interplay between bacteria and bacteriophages. As proteoliposomes released in response to environmental and cellular stress, BEVs contribute to intercellular communication, horizontal gene transfer, and the spread of virulence and antibiotic resistance factors. They serve as decoys in bacterial anti-phage defence by displaying phage receptors on their surfaces, thereby sequestering viral particles and reducing infection efficiency. BEVs are produced by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria through distinct mechanisms, with Gram-negative outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) being particularly well-studied due to their complex composition of lipopolysaccharides, outer membrane proteins, and cargo. Phage infection itself triggers BEV formation, linking viral assault to envelope remodelling and vesiculation. Moreover, BEVs can internalize phage genomes, suggesting a potential alternative route for genetic transfer. Their ability to cross species barriers and deliver functional cargo underscores their significance in microbial community dynamics. As bacteriophage therapy gains prominence, understanding the multifaceted roles of BEVs—ranging from immune evasion to gene transfer—is crucial for harnessing phages as therapeutic agents and addressing the global challenge of multidrug-resistant pathogens.