Nanometre-sized vesicles, also known as exosomes, are derived from endosomes of diverse cell types and present in multiple\nbiological fluids. Depending on their cellular origins, the membrane-bound exosomes packed a variety of functional proteins\nand RNA species. These microvesicles are secreted into the extracellular space to facilitate intercellular communication. Collective\nfindings demonstrated that exosomes from HIV-infected subjects share many commonalities with Human Immunodeficiency Virus\nType I (HIV-1) particles in terms of proteomics and lipid profiles. These observations postulated that HIV-resembled exosomes\nmay contribute to HIV pathogenesis. Interestingly, recent reports illustrated that exosomes from body fluids could inhibit HIV\ninfection, which then bring up a new paradigm for HIV/AIDS therapy. Accumulative findings suggested that the cellular origin of\nexosomes may define their effects towards HIV-1. This review summarizes the two distinctive roles of exosomes in regulating HIV\npathogenesis. We also highlighted several additional factors that govern the exosomal functions. Deeper understanding on how\nexosomes promote or abate HIV infection can significantly contribute to the development of new and potent antiviral therapeutic\nstrategy and vaccine designs.
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