Tiny secreted vesicles defends our lungs against human influenza virus

What is it about?

Findings suggest that airway epithelial cells release exosome-like vesicles and that these structures may be involved in diverse physiological processes in airway biology, including innate mucosal defense against flu viruses

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Why is it important?

Our functional analyses indicate that these structures may have a role in innate defense against respiratory pathogens that bind sialic acid, such as human influenza virus. This a novel proposed function for exosomes/vesicles and will lead to a greater understanding of the role of the exosomes in airway biology and innate defense.