Vimig: The virus-induced migrasome as a novel mechanism for viral transmission and communication.

Vimig, defined as "virus-induced migrasome," represents a novel class of extracellular vesicles that originate from virus-infected cells. The mechanisms underlying vimig formation involve actin remodeling and upregulation of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2). Vimig not only encapsulates viral particles but also aids in the transport of damaged organelles, including mitochondria, thereby contributing to cellular homeostasis and potentially enhancing viral spread and infection. Characterized by their unique contents, which includes viral particles, lipids, proteins, and cellular debris, vimig serves as a transmission route for viruses, possibly allowing them to evade host immune responses. This pearl summarizes the biogenesis, functional significance, and implications of vimig in viral pathogenesis, emphasizing its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating viral infections. Understanding the role of vimig may pave the way for novel strategies in clinical drug development and deepen our insights into virus-host interactions.