Exploring the impact of dietary extracellular vesicles on gut health: homeostasis, barrier defense, immunity, and signaling pathways

IF 8.8 1区农林科学 Q1 FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Food Research International Pub Date : 2026-04-30 Epub Date: 2026-01-31 DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2026.118515

Haiyan Zhang , Jianing Tu , Yue Pang , Jiahui Ma , Lin Zhang , Chenyu Xue , Yuhao Liu , Weichen Hong , Mizhou Hui , Bailiang Li , Na Dong , Chenzhe Gao

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Abstract

Dietary extracellular vesicles (D-EVs), which are nanoscale extracellular vesicles derived from edible food sources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, have emerged as key regulators of gut health, influencing microbiota composition, intestinal barrier integrity, and immune responses. Recent studies highlight their role in modulating cellular processes linked to inflammation, immune homeostasis, and disease prevention, positioning them as novel therapeutic agents in gastrointestinal disorders. This review summarizes current research progress on the sources, bioavailability, and mechanisms of action of D-EVs, with a focus on their effects on gut microbiota balance, intestinal barrier enhancement, and immune modulation. Research highlights key pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) signaling pathway, elucidating the molecular mechanisms that underlie their anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory functions. Additionally, this review discusses the latest advancements in D-EVs-related engineering and the application of artificial intelligence for optimization, while highlighting challenges related to standardization, large-scale production, and long-term safety. By integrating basic research with technological innovation, the review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of D-EVs as potential functional ingredients, offering valuable insights for future studies on food-derived bioactive components and their applications in gut health-oriented functional food development.

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探讨膳食细胞外囊泡对肠道健康的影响：体内平衡、屏障防御、免疫和信号通路

膳食细胞外囊泡（d - ev）是来源于植物、动物和微生物等可食用食物来源的纳米级细胞外囊泡，已成为肠道健康的关键调节剂，影响微生物群组成、肠道屏障完整性和免疫反应。最近的研究强调了它们在调节与炎症、免疫稳态和疾病预防相关的细胞过程中的作用，将它们定位为胃肠道疾病的新型治疗剂。本文综述了d - ev的来源、生物利用度和作用机制等方面的研究进展，重点介绍了d - ev在肠道菌群平衡、肠道屏障增强和免疫调节等方面的作用。研究重点关注Wnt/β-catenin、NF-κB和干扰素基因刺激因子（STING）信号通路等关键通路，阐明其抗炎和免疫调节功能的分子机制。此外，本文还讨论了自动驾驶汽车相关工程和人工智能优化应用的最新进展，同时强调了标准化、大规模生产和长期安全性方面的挑战。本文旨在通过基础研究与技术创新相结合，全面综述d- ev作为潜在功能成分的研究概况，为今后食源性生物活性成分的研究及其在肠道健康功能食品开发中的应用提供有价值的见解。

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来源期刊

Food Research International 工程技术-食品科技

CiteScore

12.50

自引率

7.40%

发文量

1183

审稿时长

79 days

期刊介绍： Food Research International serves as a rapid dissemination platform for significant and impactful research in food science, technology, engineering, and nutrition. The journal focuses on publishing novel, high-quality, and high-impact review papers, original research papers, and letters to the editors across various disciplines in the science and technology of food. Additionally, it follows a policy of publishing special issues on topical and emergent subjects in food research or related areas. Selected, peer-reviewed papers from scientific meetings, workshops, and conferences on the science, technology, and engineering of foods are also featured in special issues.