Fungal Extracellular Vesicles Associated with the Structuring and Remodelling of the Trichoderma harzianum Cell Wall

Abstract Purpose The main structure of the fungal cell wall (CW) consists of crosslinked glucans, chitin, and glycoproteins. This structure is responsible for the cell shape. It also provides osmotic and physical protection to cells. However, sophisticated CW remodeling is required for fungal morphogenesis and reproduction. This requires remarkable dynamism of the fungal CW, which must combine contrasting properties, such as elasticity and stiffness. Different fungal species assemble their CWs in different ways. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a general term for cell-derived bilayered phospholipid membrane particles that enter the extracellular environment. EVs have a wide variety of origins, sizes, cargos, membrane compositions, and biological functions. Recent advances in this emerging field have contributed to the construction of a solid knowledge base that is rapidly evolving into the formulation of applied tools, including drug delivery systems and vaccine prototypes.