Biological properties and potential pathogenic mechanisms of oral bacterial-derived extracellular vesicles in oral and systemic diseases
0 Abstract
This review summarizes the biological characteristics of oral bacterial extracellular vesicles (O-BEVs) and their proposed roles in disease pathogenesis. As nanosized lipid bilayer structures secreted by oral bacteria, O-BEVs encapsulate virulence factors, nucleic acids, and metabolites, enabling them to traverse biological barriers and modulate host cellular functions. Studies suggest that O-BEVs are involved in the progression of oral diseases, including periodontitis, dental caries, and oral cancer through mechanisms such as immune activation, tissue destruction, and cellular behavior modulation. Furthermore, O-BEVs can enter the systemic circulation. Through synergistic interactions among their protein, lipid, and nucleic acid components, O-BEVs activate inflammatory pathways and compromise barrier integrity, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of systemic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and osteoporosis. However, most current evidence derives from preclinical (in vitro and animal) studies, while direct clinical evidence linking O-BEVs to human diseases remains limited, and causal relationships have not been firmly established. Understanding the mechanisms of O-BEVs may enable targeted diagnostic approches, therapies, and prevention strategies along the “oral-systemic axis”, with important clinical and public health implications.
Keywords
INTRODUCTION
The oral cavity, serving as one of largest microbial reservoir in the human body, harbors a unique microecological environment[1]. Its complex anatomical structures, such as gingival sulci and the dorsum of the tongue, together with favorable temperature, humidity, and abundant nutrients, provide ideal conditions for microbial colonization and proliferation[2]. The oral microbiota consists primarily of three main types: bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with bacteria representing the most abundant and diverse group[3]. It is estimated that the total number of oral bacteria exceeds trillions, encompassing around 1,000 distinct bacterial species[4]. These bacteria exhibit intricate interdependencies and competitive interactions, forming a dynamic equilibrium through symbiotic, competitive, and antagonistic relationships that collectively promote the stability and health of the oral ecosystem[5].
However, the oral cavity is not a hermetically sealed system. When the oral mucosal barrier is compromised by ulcerations or daily activities such as chewing, oral bacteria and their metabolic products can enter the bloodstream, causing transient bacteremia[6,7]. Furthermore, inflammatory stimuli increase the permeability of the periodontal pocket epithelium, facilitating the penetration of oral bacteria and their metabolites into the microvasculature of periodontal tissues and subsequently their entry into systemic circulation[8]. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated associations between the oral microbiota and a range of systemic disorders, namely Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a concept collectively termed the “oral-systemic axis” effect[2,7,9,10]. Nevertheless, conventional paradigms focusing on the translocation of live bacteria or the diffusion of soluble toxins may not adequately explain the detection of oral bacterial components in distant organs, such as cerebral plaques, atherosclerotic lesions, and synovial fluid, in individuals without overt clinical signs of bacteremia[11]. This discrepancy suggests the potential existence of a more efficient and less readily detectable vehicle for microbial-host interactions beyond viable bacteria.
Importantly, the discovery of bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) may help explain this paradox. BEVs are nanoscale (20-400 nm) lipid-bilayer vesicles that are actively secreted by bacteria and encapsulate a complex molecular cargo of membrane lipids, virulence factors, nucleic acids, and metabolites[12-14]. Their bilayer structure not only enables the traversal of biological barriers, but also protects the payload from enzymatic degradation, establishing BEVs as stealthy messengers in microbiota-host interactions[15]. Similarly, oral bacterial extracellular vesicles (O-BEVs) efficiently package and deliver bioactive molecules such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), proteases and other immunomodulatory molecules. Upon binding to specific surface receptors, O-BEVs trigger intracellular signaling pathways that modulate cellular physiology and behavior in recipient cells[16]. Under normal physiological conditions, O-BEVs participate in intra- and inter-species bacterial communication, helping bacteria sense environmental changes, transmitting quorum-sensing signals, and regulating key activities including proliferation, metabolism, and biofilm formation[17]. In terms of pathogenicity, O-BEVs play multifaceted roles in host-pathogen interactions. As enriched vehicles for pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as LPS and lipoproteins, O-BEVs bind to host pattern recognition receptors, thereby activating innate immune response and driving chronic inflammatory responses[18,19]. Simultaneously, O-BEVs deliver an arsenal of virulence factors that directly modify critical host target proteins. These modifications may expose cryptic self-epitopes, thereby breaking immune tolerance and triggering autoantibody generation, potentially contributing to autoimmune pathologies[20]. Furthermore, O-BEVs employ “molecular mimicry” by displaying epitopes that mirror those on host-derived extracellular vesicles. This camouflage not only facilitates immune evasion, but also enables enhanced targeting toward specific host cells,, ensuring the precise delivery of their pathogenic cargo to recipient host cells[21].
In summary, in-depth investigation into the biological properties of O-BEVs and their pathogenic mechanisms in systemic diseases may facilitate the utilization of these vesicles in the prevention and treatment of such conditions. Therefore, this review focuses on the biological characteristics of O-BEVs, systematically summarizes their multifaceted regulatory mechanisms in systemic diseases, and discusses future challenges. We also suggest that this work will contribute to developing more effective oral health interventions aimed at maintaining oral microbial homeostasis and reducing the pathogenicity of oral bacteria and their vesicles, thereby potentially reducing the risk of systemic diseases and providing a theoretical basis for precision medicine targeting the “oral-systemic axis”.
OVERVIEW OF O-BEVS
Classification and biogenesis
As important mediators of bacterial virulence, O-BEVs are generated through distinct biogenesis pathways influence by bacterial cell envelope architecture[22]. Gram-negative bacteria possess an outer membrane (OM), which serves as the direct source for vesicle budding, an inner membrane (IM), a periplasmic space (PS), and a thin peptidoglycan (PG) layer[23]. In contrast, Gram-positive bacteria are characterized by a thick, multi-layered PG cell wall that encases the cytoplasmic membrane (CM) and presents a physical barrier to vesicle release[12]. These structural distinctions give rise to several types of vesicles, including outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Gram-negative species, cytoplasmic membrane vesicles (CMVs) from Gram-positive species, as well as other less common or condition-dependent forms such as outer-inner membrane vesicles (OIMVs), explosive OMVs, and nanotubules[24,25]. Among these, OMVs and CMVs represent the most abundant and best-characterized vesicle types among O-BEVs, and they are considered important mediators of bacterial virulence in periodontitis and associated systemic diseases[26,27]. Therefore, the subsequent sections describe the biogenesis processes of OMVs and CMVs [Figure 1][28].
Figure 1. Schematic representation of bacterial membrane vesicle biogenesis and cell wall architecture. Multilayered cell wall structure comprising, from the outermost to innermost, LPS/OM, a PG layer, and an IM. The OM undergoes local evagination to form OMVs that encapsulate LPS, porins, and surface proteins; (B) Magnified view of OMV budding: Asymmetry in OM lipid composition and remodeling of lipid A drive membrane curvature and vesicle scission from the cell envelope; (C) Gram-positive cell envelope architecture consisting of a thick PG layer that directly encloses the CM, with teichoic acids and lipoteichoic acids interspersed throughout; (D) CM evagination leads to CMV formation, wherein membrane proteins and cytosolic cargo are encapsulated. These vesicles are released extracellularly via a yet-to-be-elucidated mechanism that likely traverse the thick PG layer. Note: Other vesicle subtypes (e.g., OIMVs, eOMVs, nanotubules) have been reported in bacteria but remain to be characterized in oral species; accordingly, they are not depicted in this schematic. Created in BioRender. Xumeng, D. (2026) https://BioRender.com/8w62rdx. LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; OM: outer membrane; PG: peptidoglycan; IM: inner membrane; OMVs: outer membrane vesicles; CM: cytoplasmic membrane; CMV: cytoplasmic membrane vesicle; OIMVs: outer-inner membrane vesicles; eOMVs: explosive outer membrane vesicles; PS: periplasmic space.
In Gram-negative oral bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Tannerella forsythia
In contrast, CMVs derived from Gram-positive oral bacteria - including Filifactor alocis (F. alocis), Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii), Stomatobaculum longum (S. longum), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis), and Streptococcus oralis (S. oralis) - must overcome the physical barrier of the thick cell wall during biogenesis[15]. These CMVs are secreted with a typical diameter of 20-400 nm[12]. This process is typically initiated by the localized degradation of the PG layer by endolysins, creating pores that expose the CM as budding sites. Subsequently, the membrane bulges outward through these pores, accompanied by the reorganization of lipids and proteins[12]. Membrane-associated and curvature-stabilizing proteins interact with the lipid bilayer to facilitate the formation of sealed vesicular structures[30]. During membrane lipid reorganization, specific lipids such as cardiolipin accumulate at budding sites, promoting vesicle formation and sealing by increasing membrane curvature and reducing fluidity. Meanwhile, cytoskeletal-like proteins and other curvature-associated proteins interact with lipids to regulate membrane shape and stability, facilitating CMVs biogenesis[25]. For vesicle escape, CMVs traverse the cell wall through pores remaining after endolysin degradation or potentially through phage-like channel proteins[15,25].
Composition and synergistic mechanisms
Protein components
The protein components of O-BEVs serve as major functional mediators of their pathogenicity and immunomodulatory effects. These vesicular proteins facilitate disease progression through multiple synergistic mechanisms, including direct cytotoxicity, disruption of host barriers, and dysregulation of immune responses.
The OMVs derived from P. gingivalis (P. g-OMVs) are enriched with gingipains, including the lysine-specific protease (Kgp) and the arginine-specific proteases (RgpA, RgpB). These proteases directly degrade host tight junction proteins, thereby disrupting the gingival epithelial barrier. Simultaneously, they activate host matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), accelerating periodontal tissue destruction and driving periodontitis progression[32]. Furthermore, the peptidylarginine deiminase (PPAD) carried by P. g-OMVs converts host proteins (e.g., fibrinogen) into citrullinated forms, generating autoantigens and inducing the formation of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), suggesting a potential link to autoimmune diseases like RA[33]. OMVs produced by F. nucleatum (F. n-OMVs) carry the Fusobacterium adhesin A (FadA), which interacts with host E-cadherin and activates the β-catenin signaling cascade, thereby promoting periodontitis as well as colorectal cancer cell proliferation and metastasis[34,35]. The OMVs from A. actinomycetemcomitans
Given the significant differences in the composition and function of vesicles from various bacterial species, further studies on vesicles produced by F. alocis and the cariogenic pathogen S. mutans have revealed species-specific virulence factors associated with these two species. The CMVs derived from F. alocis
Lipid components
The LPS of O-BEVs plays dual roles in inflammatory activation and membrane stabilization, directly influencing their pathogenicity and therapeutic potential. LPS is abundant in OMVs and consists of lipid A, a core oligosaccharide, and an O-antigen polysaccharide chain[24]. Typically, lipid A structures activate innate immune responses via the TLR4/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, although LPS exhibits functional heterogeneity among different bacterial strains[43]. Lipidomic data have revealed that the levels of phosphatidylglycerol and stearic acid - key regulators of membrane fluidity and rigidity - are significantly higher in BEVs than in the OM of parent cells[44]. Cardiolipin is reported to be enriched in CMVs; it not only maintains vesicle structural stability via hydrophobic microdomains but also acts as a TLR4 ligand to activate the inflammasome, amplifying inflammatory signals and promoting pathological progression[15]. Of note,
Nucleic acid components
The nucleic acid components of O-BEVs contribute to bacterial adaptive evolution and disease development through cross-species gene transfer and modulation of host epigenetic regulation. The P. g-OMVs,
Synergistic mechanisms of O-BEV components
The pathogenicity and therapeutic potential of O-BEVs stem from synergy among their proteins, lipids, and nucleic acid components, which together form a dynamic regulatory network that remodels the host microenvironment. In the context of pathogenic mechanisms, lipid-protein synergy significantly drives inflammatory cascades. For instance, after P. gingivalis-derived LPS activates the NF-κB pathway via TLR4, the PPAD within OMVs further amplifies inflammatory signaling, leading to excessive secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), exacerbating periodontitis and systemic inflammation[32]. The F. n-OMVs exert synergistic effects through the FadA protein and LPS to activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer cells[34]. Interactions between vesicular metabolites and host signaling pathways are also important: succinate delivered by O-BEVs induces metabolic reprogramming (enhanced glycolysis) in macrophages via succinate receptor 1 (SUCNR1)[49]. Moreover, the inherent tissue-homing capability of O-BEVs could be exploited for targeted drug delivery, transforming these pathogenic vehicles into therapeutic carriers[50]. These synergistic mechanisms help to illustrate the potential involvement of O-BEVs in chronic inflammation, cancer, and other diseases, and may offer insights for developing component-based therapeutic strategies.
PATHOGENIC MECHANISMS OF O-BEVS IN DIFFERENT DISEASES
Oral diseases
Periodontitis
Recent advances have highlighted that extracellular vesicles both participate in periodontal pathogenesis and hold therapeutic potential for tissue regeneration[51]. As detailed in Table 1, O-BEVs from multiple oral pathogens contribute to periodontitis through two major mechanistic themes: (i) activation of innate immune receptors leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine release; and (ii) direct degradation of host tissue barriers.
The role of O-BEVs in oral diseases
| Diseases | O-BEVs source | Key effector molecules | Core effect | Key pathways/targets | Ref. |
| Periodontitis | P. gingivalis OMVs | Gingipains, LPS | Pro-inflammatory | MAPK/STING/NF-κB; ↑IL-6/IL-8 | [46,53] |
| F. alocis CMVs | Lipoproteins, FACIN | Pro-inflammatory | ↑IL-6/IL-8/TNF-α, CCL1/2, G-CSF in keratinocytes and monocytes | [41] | |
| T. forsythia OMVs | BspA, sialidase, GroEL | Pro-inflammatory | ↑IL-6/IL-8/MCP-1 in U937/hPDLCs | [54] | |
| T. denticola OMVs | Msp, chymotrypsin-like protease | Barrier disruption | Degrades intercellular adhesion proteins | [55] | |
| F. nucleatum OMVs | FadA, LPS | Pro-inflammatory, bone loss | NLRP3/NF-κB; M1 polarization; ↑IL-1β/IL-18 | [35,57] | |
| Dental caries | S. mutans CMVs | GtfB, GtfC | Biofilm formation, cross-kingdom interaction | EPS synthesis; quorum-sensing; ↓S. gordonii, ↑C. albicans | [58-61] |
| Oral cancer | P. gingivalis OMVs | sRNA23392, gingipains | Pro-tumorigenic | ↓TNFSF15/ASPM; inhibits cGAS-STING | [63-65] |
| S. longus CMVs | Unknown | Pro-tumorigenic | BRCA1/EXO1/TP53BP1 pathway | [66] | |
| F. nucleatum OMVs | FadA | EMT, metastasis | ↓E-cadherin, ↑vimentin | [67] | |
| A. actinomycetemcomitans OMVs | LtxA, CDT | Anti-tumorigenic | Reduces proliferation; induces apoptosis (cell line-dependent) | [68,69] |
In multiple O-BEV types, the activation of TLRs and NOD-like receptors (NLRs) represents a shared initiating event[46,52]. In vitro studies have shown that P. g-OMVs engage the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), and NF-κB pathways in gingival epithelial cells, upregulating IL-6 and interleukin-8 (IL-8)[53]. Similarly, F. alocis CMVs induce a broad panel of cytokines [IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), C-C motif chemokine ligand 1/2 (CCL1/2), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1)] in both oral keratinocytes and monocytes[41]. Meanwhile, T. f-OMVs stimulate IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) release from periodontal ligament fibroblasts[54]. Notably, although these O-BEVs originate from different bacterial species (Gram-negative vs. Gram-positive, red complex vs. orange complex), they converge on similar pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles, suggesting that distinct upstream receptors funnel into common downstream signaling cascades.
In contrast to the shared inflammatory pathways, some O-BEVs exhibit unique mechanisms that directly compromise tissue integrity. The T. d-OMVs degrade intercellular adhesion proteins via the pore-forming Msp and chymotrypsin-like protease, thereby disrupting the epithelial barrier[55]. The F. n-OMVs not only promote M1 macrophage polarization, enhancing the inflammatory microenvironment and enhancing their cytotoxicity toward mouse gingival fibroblasts (MGFs)[56], but also enter human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) via endocytosis, where the vesicles activate the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and NF-κB (p65) pathway, upregulate interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)/interleukin-18 (IL-18), and inhibit cell mineralization capacity - effects that may contribute to alveolar bone resorption[35,57].
While the above findings are mechanistically informative, several limitations should be noted. Most studies are in vitro experiments using immortalized cell lines, often at O-BEVs concentrations whose physiological relevance has not been firmly established. Direct in vivo evidence linking specific O-BEVs subtypes to periodontitis progression in humans is limited, and the relative contribution of OMVs vs. CMVs vs. the parental bacteria themselves remains poorly defined. Future studies employing animal models with clinically relevant O-BEVs doses and longitudinal human cohort studies are needed to validate these mechanistic insights.
Dental caries
S. mutans is a major cariogenic bacterium, and its secreted CMVs (S.m-CMVs) have been implicated in bacterial colonization, adhesion, and invasion on tooth surface[58]. As summarized in Table 1, the cariogenic potential of S.m-CMVs is largely associated with glucosyltransferase (GTF)-mediated extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) synthesis.
In vitro studies have shown that GtfB and GtfC - major protein components of these vesicles - utilize sucrose to synthesize EPS, thereby enhancing S. mutans biofilm formation[59]. Among these, GtfC plays a dual role, not only mediating CMVs aggregation and biofilm formation, but also acting as an important antigen to elicit specific antibody production in mucosal immunity[42]. Furthermore, S. m-CMVs interact with other oral microorganisms, influencing their growth and metabolism. The CMVs from GTF-deficient S. mutans mutants inhibit S. gordonii biofilm formation without affecting planktonic growth[60], while S. m-CMVs enhance sucrose metabolism and EPS production in Candida albicans (C. albicans), promoting cross-kingdom biofilm development[61]. This dual regulatory capacity - promoting a cariogenic microorganism while suppressing competing commensals - highlights the complex role of CMVs in shaping the oral biofilm community.
Oral cancer
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of malignant tumor of the oral and maxillofacial region[62]. As detailed in Table 1, O-BEVs from multiple bacterial species exert divergent effects on OSCC, ranging from pro-tumorigenic to anti-tumorigenic.
Studies have shown that P. g-OMVs promote OSCC proliferation, migration, and immune evasion through multiple mechanisms: (i) delivering the small RNA sRNA23392, which targets host mRNAs and reduces their stability[63]; (ii) downregulating tumor suppressors (TNFSF15, ZNF292, ATRX) and cancer-related genes (ASPM, KIF20B) in CAL27 and HN6 cells[64]; and (iii) suppressing the cGAS-STING pathway, thereby impairing IFN-β production and reducing recruitment of natural killer cells and dendritic cells[65]. Similarly, S. longus-derived CMVs have been reported to promote OSCC malignancy via the BRCA1/EXO1/TP53BP1 pathway[66], and F. n-OMVs induce EMT and autophagy, facilitating lung metastasis in mouse models[67]. In contrast, A. a-OMVs have been shown to reduce proliferation and increase apoptosis in certain OSCC cell lines (SCC-24A, HSC-3)[68,69]. This dichotomy - pro-tumorigenic P. g-OMVs vs. anti-tumorigenic A. a-OMVs - likely reflects differences in vesicular cargo (gingipains vs. leukotoxin/CDT) as well as cell line- and microenvironment-specific responses. Systematic comparative studies using identical cell lines and standardized OMV isolation protocols areneeded to resolve this paradox.
Several important limitations should be noted. First, most mechanistic insights into F. n-OMVs are derived from colorectal cancer models; direct extrapolation to oral carcinogenesis requires caution, as the gut and oral microenvironments differ substantially in pH, microbiota composition, immune landscape, and tissue architecture[70]. Second, the majority of OSCC studies are in vitro or use xenograft mouse models, which may not fully recapitulate the complex tumor microenvironment of human OSCC. Third, clinical correlational data (e.g., higher P. gingivalis abundance in OSCC tissues) do not establish causality. Future studies specifically using oral cancer models - such as patient-derived organoids or orthotopic mouse models - are needed to validate whether the same mechanisms operate in the oral niche.
Alzheimer’s disease
Emerging evidence has implicated periodontal pathogens, particularly P. gingivalis, in AD pathogenesis, with OMVs proposed as key mediators of the “oral-brain axis”[71]. As detailed in Table 2, O-BEVs from
The role of O-BEVs in systemic and other related diseases
| Diseases | O-BEVs source | Key effector molecules | Core effect | Key pathways/targets | Ref. |
| Alzheimer’s disease | P. gingivalis OMVs | Gingipains, LPS | Neuroinflammation, tau hyperphosphorylation | NLRP3/NF-κB; ↑IL-1β/IL-6/TNF-α; tau (Thr231) | [72-77] |
| A. actinomycetemcomitans OMVs | LPS, RNA | Neuroinflammation | TLR4/MyD88, TLR8/NF-κB; cross BBB | [72,78] | |
| Atherosclerosis | P. gingivalis OMVs | Gingipains, LPS, histone H3 | Calcification, endothelial dysfunction, foam cells | ERK1/2-RUNX2; ↓eNOS; PECAM-1 disruption | [80-83] |
| T. denticola OMVs | LPS, MCP-1 | Monocyte chemotaxis | ↑IL-8/MCP-1 in endothelium | [84] | |
| F. nucleatum OMVs | LPS | Foam cell formation | ↑CD36; ↑ox-LDL uptake | [85] | |
| Diabetes mellitus | P. gingivalis OMVs | Gingipains | Insulin resistance, retinopathy | ↓Akt/GSK-3β; PAR-2 signaling | [87,88] |
| F. nucleatum OMVs | LPS | Insulin resistance | TLR4-mediated inflammation | [89,90] | |
| RA | P. gingivalis OMVs | PPAD, gingipains | Autoimmunity | Protein citrullination → ACPA; ↑TNF-α/IL-1/IL-6 | [93-97] |
| F. nucleatum OMVs | FadA | Synovial inflammation | Rab5a/YB-1 activation | [98] | |
| APOs | P. gingivalis OMVs | Gingipains | Trophoblast dysfunction, abortion, offspring neurodevelopmental defects | ↓Glucose metabolism; NET dysregulation; ↑p-Tau Thr231 | [101-106] |
| Osteoporosis | P. gingivalis, T. forsythia OMVs; F. alocis, S. oralis CMVs | Lipoproteins, LPS | Osteoclast differentiation | TLR2 activation | [109] |
| P. gingivalis OMVs | Unknown | Impaired osteogenesis | ↓CPT2; ↓FAO | [110] | |
| F. alocis CMVs | Unknown | Bone loss | ↓Osteogenic markers; ↑CTX-1 | [111,112] | |
| Respiratory diseases | P. gingivalis OMVs | Histone H3 | Lung epithelial injury | NF-κB; ↑pro-inflammatory cytokines | [113,114] |
| Hepatic steatosis | F. alocis CMVs | Unknown | Hepatic steatosis | TLR-2, PAI-1 | [115] |
| OLP | P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans OMVs | LPS, RNA | Inflammation | STAT3; ↑TNF-α/IL-6/IL-8 | [116] |
| HIV infection | P. gingivalis OMVs | Unknown | Enhanced viral infectivity | Mucosal transmission vector | [117] |
While intact P. gingivalis bacteria induce pronounced systemic inflammation, OMVs alone are sufficient to induce BBB disruption and promote neuroinflammation, suggesting a distinct pathogenic mechanism[72]. The P. g-OMVs activate the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia, leading to IL-1β release[73]. This inflammatory cascade subsequently induces tau hyperphosphorylation at the Thr231 site in neurons and impairs spatial memory and learning in middle-aged mice[74]. The LPS and gingipains carried by these OMVs have been implicated as key effector molecules driving these effects. For example, P. g-OMVs significantly increase the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-1β in microglial cells, whereas a gingipain-deficient KDP163 strain fails to upregulate these genes[75]. Moreover, LPS from P. g-OMVs can activate the NF-κB signaling pathway via TLR4, causing substantial release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and further aggravating neuroinflammation[76]. In a mouse model, the P. g-OMVs significantly increased the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in the hippocampus and cortex, activated astrocytes and microglia, and resulted in memory dysfunction[77].
In contrast to the gingipain-centered mechanisms of P. g-OMVs, the A. a-OMVs have been reported to induce neuroinflammation primarily through their RNA cargo. These OMVs can alter action potentials in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons[72]. In vitro and animal studies have suggested that these OMVs may cross the BBB and deliver extracellular RNA into brain monocytes and microglial cells, activating TLR4/MyD88 and TLR8-dependent NF-κB pathways and promoting TNF-α and IL-6 secretion[78]. This finding suggests that different O-BEVs may converge on similar neuroinflammatory endpoints through distinct molecular routes - a nuance that would be missed by a simple enumeration of individual mechanisms.
Atherosclerosis
Epidemiological and mechanistic studies have increasingly linked periodontitis to atherosclerosis, with O-BEVs emerging as potential mediators of this association[79]. As detailed in Table 2, O-BEVs from
Studies have shown that P. g-OMVs promote vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification in a concentration-dependent manner via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-Runt-related transcription factor 2 (ERK1/2-RUNX2) pathway, a hallmark of atherosclerotic progression[80]. Using in vitro and
Beyond P. gingivalis, T. d-OMVs can activate endothelial cells by inducing the expression of IL-8 and MCP-1, which may facilitate chemotaxis and aggregation of monocytes - an early step in atherogenesis[84]. Additionally, the F. n-OMVs have been reported to upregulate the scavenger receptor CD36 via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, enhancing the uptake of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and accelerating foam cell formation[85].
In summary, OMVs derived from key periodontal pathogens do not act in isolation. Instead, they likely form a complex pathogenic network that collectively accelerates the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis through multiple interconnected mechanisms, including disruption of endothelial homeostasis, dysregulation of lipid metabolism, and perpetuation of chronic inflammation.
Diabetes mellitus
Epidemiological and mechanistic studies have long suggested a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM): periodontitis can impair glycemic control, insulin action, and diabetic outcomes, while DM can heighten periodontitis severity through delayed healing and enhanced infection risk[86]. As detailed in Table 2, P. g-OMVs and F. n-OMVs have been implicated in the pathogenesis and complications of diabetes through three interconnected mechanisms: (i) direct impairment of hepatic insulin signaling; (ii) exacerbation of diabetic complications (e.g., retinopathy); and (iii) promotion of systemic and intestinal inflammation that may worsen insulin resistance.
The P. g-OMVs can deliver active gingipains to the liver. In HepG2 hepatocytes, these vesicles attenuate insulin-induced protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) signaling in a gingipain-dependent manner, thereby disrupting hepatic glucose metabolism and potentially promoting the onset and progression of DM[87]. Furthermore, in mice, P. g-OMVs worsen diabetic retinopathy (DR), an effect that may involve mitochondrial-associated cell death and endothelial dysfunction triggered by PAR-2 signaling in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells[88]. Emerging evidence also indicates that periodontal pathogens and their vesicles may promote insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. For instance, OMVs derived from other periodontopathic bacteria such as F. nucleatum have been implicated in impairing insulin signaling in adipocytes through TLR4-mediated inflammatory pathways[89]. According to Engevik
RA
Autoantibodies produced in RA patients, such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and ACPAs, bind synovial antigens, activate the complement and trigger joint inflammation[91]. Epidemiological and mechanistic studies have long suggested an association between periodontitis and RA, with O-BEVs emerging as potential mediators linking oral dysbiosis to joint autoimmunity[92]. As detailed in Table 2, P. g-OMVs and
PPAD in P. g-OMVs serves as a key effector molecule mediating the pathogenic role of these vesicles in RA. The PPAD catalyzes the citrullination of host proteins such as fibrinogen and vimentin, generating ACPAs that are highly specific to RA and triggering inflammatory responses in the synovium[93]. Notably, other virulence factors within P. g-OMVs may act synergistically with PPAD. For instance, gingipains cleave proteins at arginine residues, whereas PPAD preferentially citrullinates C-terminal arginine residues on polypeptide chains[94]. Furthermore, elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in both serum and synovial fluid promote inflammatory responses and exacerbate joint damage[95]. The O-BEVs derived DNA has been detected not only in serum[96], but also in synovial fluid[97], providing additional evidence for the systemic dissemination of oral bacterial components to the joint microenvironment.
A positive correlation exists between F. nucleatum abundance in RA patients and disease severity.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes
Accumulating epidemiological data have revealed that adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are strongly associated with periodontitis[99,100]. As detailed in Table 2, P. g-OMVs have been implicated in APOs through three interconnected mechanisms: (i) direct targeting and dysfunction of trophoblast cells at the maternal-fetal interface; (ii) indirect damage mediated by host immune cell-derived EVs; and (iii) offspring transgenerational neurodevelopmental alterations.
The P. g-OMVs can directly target the maternal-fetal interface and disrupt normal pregnancy progression. For example, when pregnant mice were intraperitoneally injected with P. g-OMVs, fluorescent signals were subsequently detected at embryo implantation sites[101]. Low doses of P. g-OMVs reduced fetal and placental weights, whereas high doses resulted in fetal loass[102]. In vitro experiments from the same study revealed that P. g-OMVs decreased glucose uptake and glycolysis in trophoblast cells, impairing their migration and invasion capabilities. Proper migration of trophoblasts and endothelial cells is crucial for remodeling spiral arteries at the maternal-fetal interface[101,102]. Under physiological conditions, trophoblasts contribute to placental homeostasis by inactivating neutrophils through the suppression of ROS release and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation[103]. Conditioned medium from P. g-OMV-treated trophoblast cells, however, promoted neutrophil chemotaxis and increased the production of ROS, IL-8, and TNF-α, potentially disrupting placental homeostasis and thereby inducing APOs[104].
Beyond the direct effects of bacterial OMVs, the pathogenic impact of oral bacteria can be further amplified by host immune cells. EVs derived from P. gingivalis-infected macrophages (P. g-inf EVs) translocated to the fetoplacental unit and impaired fetal development, as evidenced by reduced fetal size and weight. Histological analysis of the placenta in the P. g-inf EV-injected group revealed disorganized vasculature, impaired angiogenesis, and compromised placental function, and proteomic analysis indicated a significant downregulation of VEGFR1 expression in the experimental placentas[105].
More critically, maternal exposure to P. g-OMVs during pregnancy may exert intergenerational effects, directly disrupting the neurodevelopmental programming of offspring. Further evidence demonstrates that maternal exposure to P. g-OMVs induces marked neurodevelopmental alterations in the offspring. These include the suppression of key molecules (IL-6, Cux1 and SatB2) implicated in cortical development and neuronal differentiation, concurrent with an elevation in the Alzheimer’s disease-associated phospho-Tau (Thr231) and changes in embryonic cortical neuron density[106]. The ability of O-BEVs to translocate systemically and disrupt key physiological processes during pregnancy underscores their potential role as mediators of the “oral-systemic axis” in reproductive pathology. Further research is warranted to explore the translational potential of targeting O-BEVs or their cargo for the prevention and management of periodontitis-associated APOs.
In summary, O-BEVs establish a multiple pathogenic axis from local infection to systemic reproductive pathology and even intergenerational health effects, spanning from direct damage to placental trophoblasts, to secondary immune-mediated damage, and finally to interference with offspring neurodevelopment. Future research is essential to thoroughly explore the translational potential of targeting these vesicles or their pathogenic components, thereby paving the way for novel intervention strategies to prevent and manage periodontitis-associated APOs.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and periodontitis exhibit a bidirectional relationship[107]. Osteoporotic individuals face a twofold greater risk of developing periodontitis than healthy people[108]. In both conditions, bone loss localized to alveolar bone in periodontitis or systemic in osteoporosis - is tied to heightened osteoclast differentiation and reduced osteogenesis. As detailed in Table 2, O-BEVs from multiple oral pathogens contribute to bone loss through two principal mechanisms: (i) promotion of osteoclast differentiation and (ii) suppressed osteogenesis.
Lipoproteins or LPS from O-BEVs from F. alocis, P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and S. oralis drive osteoclast differentiation through activation of TLR2[109]. Emerging evidence indicates that P. g-OMVs exacerbate osteoporosis by impairing mitochondrial dynamics, which downregulates the protein level of CPT2. This suppression of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) subsequently compromises ATP production in osteoblasts, ultimately contributing to bone loss[110]. Furthermore, when added to osteogenic medium, F. a-CMVs suppressed bone formation in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by reduced expression of osteogenic marker genes[111]. Following intraperitoneal injection of DiO-labeled F. a-CMVs into mice, strong fluorescence was detected in the tibiae and femora, accompanied by decreased trabecular bone volume and elevated levels of the bone resorption marker CTX-1[112]. These findings suggest that O-BEVs can travel to long bones and trigger bone loss, potentially via TLR2 signaling.
Other diseases
Beyond the systemic conditions discussed above, O-BEVs have also been implicated in several other human diseases, including respiratory diseases, hepatic steatosis, oral lichen planus (OLP), and HIV-1 infection, as summarized in Table 2.
Respiratory diseases: The P. g-OMVs trigger cell death in lung epithelial cells by disrupting the epithelial barrier, suggesting that these vesicles may be an important factor linking periodontitis to respiratory diseases[113]. Notably, P. g-OMVs are enriched in core histones (e.g., H3) and translocate to the lungs, liver, and kidneys of mice. Both P. g-OMVs and recombinant H3 activated the NF-κB pathway, contributing to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human lung epithelial A549 cells. The P. g-inf EVs induced lung injury, including edema, vascular congestion, inflammation, and collagen deposition, which was associated with alveolar damage[114].
Hepatic steatosis: The F. a-CMVs have been associated with hepatic steatosis, particularly through increasing this condition in mice on a low-fat diet through mechanisms involving TLR-2 and PAI-1[115].
OLP: A. a-OMVs and P. g-OMVs did not affect cell viability but potently increased the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. Moreover, these vesicles activated the STAT3 signaling pathway, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation and simultaneous upregulation of IL-1β mRNA, along with promoted NLRP3 protein accumulation. These changes suggest that the inflammasome complex may be activated[116].
HIV-1 infection: In MT4 cells, P. g-OMVs promoted HIV-1 infection even when viral loads alone were too low to establish a productive infection. This suggests that OMVs may act as vectors for mucosal HIV transmission, thereby facilitating infection establishment and enhancing viral infectivity[117].
CONCLUSION
O-BEVs function as essential communicators and pathogenicity vectors in the oral-systemic axis. Their cargo - which includes virulence proteins (e.g., gingipains, PPAD, FadA), immunomodulatory lipids (e.g., specialized LPS, cardiolipin), and regulatory nucleic acids (e.g., sRNA, eRNA) - enables them to disrupt local homeostasis and propagate systemic inflammation[32,34]. Specifically, O-BEVs from periodontopathic bacteria such as P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and F. nucleatum drive periodontal tissue destruction via TLR/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation[52,55], while S. mutans extracellular vesicles promote cariogenic biofilm formation through GTF-mediated EPS synthesis[58].
Beyond the oral cavity, O-BEVs disseminate and contribute to systemic pathologies through distinct mechanisms: In Alzheimer’s disease, OMVs compromise the BBB and induce neuroinflammation and tau hyperphosphorylation[76,77]. In atherosclerosis, they promote vascular calcification and endothelial dysfunction[81,84]. Their role in RA is highlighted by PPAD-mediated protein citrullination and ACPA generation[33,94,98], while in diabetes, gingipain delivery impairs hepatic insulin signaling[88]. Moreover, O-BEVs influence conditions ranging from APOs (via trophoblast dysfunction)[102] to osteoporosis (through enhanced osteoclastogenesis)[110,111].
It is important to recognize that O-BEV research remains an emerging field. Most mechanistic insights derive from preclinical studies, and direct evidence of clinical relevance is limited. Heterogeneity in isolation methods, lack of standardized quantification, and the predominance of studies on P. gingivalis constrain the generalizability of current findings. Nevertheless, the conceptual framework of the “oral-systemic axis” mediated by O-BEVs offers promising opportunities for future diagnostics and therapeutics.
This synthesis underscores that O-BEVs are not merely bystanders but active mechanistic connectors between oral dysbiosis and systemic diseases. Future translational efforts should focus on three O-BEV-centric directions: First, developing salivary O-BEV-based biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of periodontitis and associated systemic diseases by leveraging the stable nucleic acid and protein cargo of O-BEVs[118,119]. Their RNA content (e.g., inflammation-related miRNAs upregulated upon
DECLARATIONS
Acknowledgments
The graphic abstract figure was created with BioRender.com [Created in BioRender. Tian, L. (2026) https://BioRender.com/mx5pcv1].
Authors’ contributions
Conceptualization, writing - original draft, visualization, data curation: Du X
Writing - review and editing, data curation. formal analysis: Xu S
Writing - review and editing, investigation, validation: Zhou X
Formal analysis, validation, resources: Zhou H
Resources, supervision, methodology: Jin B
Methodology, software, visualization: Peng Z
Writing - review and editing, validation: Nüssler AK
Supervision, project administration: Liu L
Conceptualization, writing - review and editing, funding acquisition: Chen J
Conceptualization, writing - review and editing, funding acquisition, project administration, supervision: Yang W
All scientific content was generated, reviewed, and approved by the authors.
Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.
AI and AI-assisted tools statement
During the preparation of this manuscript, the AI tool Deepseek-V3.2 was used solely for language editing and grammar checking. The tool did not influence the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or the scientific content of the work. All authors take full responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and final content of the manuscript.
Financial support and sponsorship
This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (grant No 2022YFC3600600 from Prof. Wei Yang).
Conflicts of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.
Ethical approval and consent to participate
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Copyright
© The Author(s) 2026.
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