Functions of exosomal non-coding RNAs to the infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major infectious disease induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) which causes the world's dominant fatal bacterial contagious disease. Increasing studies have indicated that exosomes may be a novel option for the diagnosis and treatment of TB. Exosomes are nanovesicles (30-150 nm) containing lipids, proteins and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) released from various cells, and can transfer their cargos and communicate between cells. Furthermore, exosomal ncRNAs exhibit diagnosis potential in bacterial infections, including TB. Additionally, differential exosomal ncRNAs regulate the physiological and pathological functions of M. tb-infected cells and act as diagnostic markers for TB. This current review explored the potential biological roles and the diagnostic application prospects of exosomal ncRNAs, and included recent information on their pathogenic and therapeutic functions in TB.

Automated summary

Tuberculosis (TB) is a fatal bacterial contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), and recent studies suggest that exosomes could be a novel option for TB diagnosis and treatment. Exosomes are nanovesicles (30-150 nm) released from various cells, carrying lipids, proteins, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and they play a role in cell-to-cell communication. Exosomal ncRNAs have shown diagnostic potential in bacterial infections, including TB, and also regulate the functions of M. tb-infected cells, serving as diagnostic markers for TB. This review explores the biological roles and diagnostic application prospects of exosomal ncRNAs in TB, as well as their pathogenic and therapeutic functions.