Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by diverse organisms has been proposed to be a vital way for intercellular communication. However, this has not yet been confirmed in natural environment regarding the prevalence, biogenesis and function of EVs. In the study, a high abundance of EVs corresponding to the bacterial concentration was found in human faece, wastewater soil, and indoor dust. Metagenomic analysis showed different taxonomic composition between EVs and corresponding habitats, supporting the varied EVs production among species. Diverse functional genes existed whereas horizontally acquired glycoside hydrolase family 25 was enriched. ARGs co-existing with plasmids were abundant, and can be transferred via EVs. Indoor dust derived EVs carried a variety of allergenic proteins. The allergen-containing vesicles can trigger allergic response as shown in vitro and in vivo. The study highlighted the prevalence of EVs as a reservoir and mediating roles among environment, microbes and human health.

Extracellular vesicles,natural environment,microbes,human health