Extracellular microvesicular particles in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis

The review describes main classes of extracellular microvesicular particles, mechanisms of their biogenesis and their potential role in the development of tuberculosis. Special attention is paid to apoptosis of macrophages infected with tuberculous mycobacteria, generation of apoptotic ectosome and involvement of the latter into the formation of anti-tuberculosis immune response. Conclusion: mechanisms of apoptotic blebbing, ectosomes and clearing of these particles possess the potential to become a new tool within pathogenetic therapy of tuberculosis.