Extracellular vesicles from phytobacteria: Properties, functions and uses

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cytosol-containing membrane spheres providing a chassis for the removal and delivery of cargoes in a highly dynamic and cue-responsive manner. EVs play important roles in cell-to-cell communication, including the dialogue between recipient microbial and plant cells. Bacterial EVs are well-studied in the medical field, but their relevance for plant infection is only now being recognized. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of EVs from phytobacteria in modulating plant immunity and the outcome of disease or in symbiosis. In this review, we highlight the composition of EVs and discuss their role in the interaction with plants. Knowledge of EV composition and functions will aid their use in biotechnology and agriculture.