Fight bacteria with bacteria: Bacterial membrane vesicles as vaccines and delivery nanocarriers against bacterial infections

Bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) are particles secreted by bacteria with diameter of 20-400 nm. The pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) present on the surface of MVs are capable of activating human immune system, leading to non-specific immune response and specific immune response. Due to the immunostimulatory properties and proteoliposome nanostructures, MVs have been increasingly explored as vaccines or delivery systems for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections. Herein, the recent progresses of MVs for antibacterial applications are reviewed to provide an overview of MVs vaccines and MVs-related delivery systems. In addition, the safety issues of bacterial MVs are discussed to demonstrate their potential for clinical translation. In the end of this review, the challenges of bacterial MVs as vaccines and delivery systems for clinical applications are highlighted with the purpose of predicting future research directions in this field.