Gut-derived bacterial vesicles carrying lipopolysaccharide promote microglia-mediated synaptic pruning.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Growing evidence links gut microbiota (GM) to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Elevated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, a Gram-negative bacteria component, are found in AD brains, but how LPS breaches the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains unclear. Hypotheses suggest that bacteria-derived extracellular vesicles (bEVs) may transport LPS across the BBB.

Methods

bEVs were extracted from human and mouse feces and blood, and LPS levels were measured. In vivo imaging and immunofluorescence confirmed the transport of blood LPS-carrying bEVs across the BBB. The role of these bEVs in microglia was investigated both in vivo and in vitro.

Results

Elevated LPS-containing bEVs were detected in the plasma of AD patients compared to healthy individuals. These bEVs activated mi

SUBMITTER: Zhao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12307132 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature