Outer membrane vesicles: A bacterial-derived vaccination system

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are non-living spherical nanostructures that derive from the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria. OMVs are important in bacterial pathogenesis, cell-to-cell communication, horizontal gene transfer, quorum sensing, and in maintaining bacterial fitness. These structures can be modified to express antigens of interest using glycoengineering and genetic or chemical modification. The resulting OMVs can be used to immunize individuals against the expressed homo- or heterologous antigens. Additionally, cargo can be loaded into OMVs and they could be used as a drug delivery system. OMVs are inherently immunogenic due to proteins and glycans found on Gram negative bacterial outer membranes. This review focuses on OMV manipulation to increase vesiculation and decrease antigenicity, their utility as vaccines, and novel engineering approaches to extend their application.

Automated summary

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from Gram-negative bacteria have various important roles and applications, including bacterial pathogenesis, cell-to-cell communication, gene transfer, quorum sensing, and maintenance of bacterial fitness. OMVs can be modified to express antigens, making them suitable for immunization and potential drug delivery. This review highlights the manipulation of OMVs, their use as vaccines, and novel engineering approaches to expand their applications.