Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and their therapeutic potential as anti-infectious agents

Abstract

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from Gram-negative bacteria have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for combating infectious diseases. These small, spherical structures carry diverse cargo molecules, including virulence factors, antigens, and immunomodulatory molecules. OMVs derived from pathogenic bacteria can be engineered to deliver antimicrobial peptides, antibiotics, or specific antigens, eliciting targeted immune responses against bacterial pathogens. Similarly, OMVs can deliver viral antigens, facilitating immune recognition and clearance of viral infections. Furthermore, OMVs can be engineered to encapsulate antifungal agents or fungal antigens, enabling targeted delivery and immune activation against fungal pathogens. The cargo-carrying capacity and immunostimulatory properties of OMVs make them valuable tools for developing effective treatments against infectious diseases. This review also discusses the challenges and future directions in applying OMVs as therapeutic agents, highlighting the need for further research and development to harness their full potential in clinical applications. Overall, OMVs represent a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases, offering targeted and immunomodulatory strategies for combating bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.