Diversity of extracellular vesicles from different developmental stages of Fasciola hepatica

2020

The secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in Fasciola hepatica adult worms was described by our group in 2012. Since then, EVs have been found in other helminths, thus providing a new paradigm for the complete understanding of host-parasite communication. However, information was lacking regarding the possible existence and role of EVs from other developmental stages of the parasite. In this study, we confirm the secretion of EVs by F. hepatica eggs and juvenile forms. EVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography and characterised by nanoparticle tracking analysis and electron microscopy. We observed a large diversity in the morphologies of these EVs, suggesting specific functions…