Volatile and non-volatile pathogen cues shape host extracellular vesicles production in pre-infection response.

ABSTRACT: In natural environments, animals encounter pathogen-derived chemicals long before infection occurs. How such anticipatory cues influence extracellular vesicle (EV) dynamics, which are central to immune regulation, intercellular communication, and stress responses, remains unknown. Using Caenorhabditis elegans, we show that pathogen-derived volatile and non-volatile compounds trigger distinct EV pathways through separate sensory and molecular mechanisms. Non-volatile secretome components, including the tripeptide Ile-Pro-Pro, activate immune-dependent EV production, whereas volatile metabolites elicit immunity-independent EV formation. Both responses require sensory input from ASK, ADL, and AWC neurons and converge on a neural circuit involving RMG, AIB, and AIA interneurons. GPCRs SRI-19,

SUBMITTER: Kolodziejska K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12847967 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature