Exosome secretion of dendritic cells is regulated by Hrs, an ESCRT-0 protein

Exosomes are nanovesicles derived from multivesicular bodies (MVBs) in antigen-presenting cells. The components of the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) pathway are critical for the formation of MVBs, however the relationship between the ESCRT pathway and the secretion of exosomes remains unclear. We here demonstrate that Hrs, an ESCRT-0 protein, is required for fascilitating the secretion of exosomes in dendritic cells (DCs). Ultrastructural analyses showed typical saucer-shaped exosomes in the culture supernatant from both the control and Hrs-depleted DCs. However, the amount of exosome secretion was significantly decreased in Hrs-depleted DCs following stimulations with ovalbumin (OVA) as well as calcium ionophore. Antigen-presentation activity was also suppressed in exsosomes purified from Hrs-depleted DCs, while no alteration in OVA degradation was seen in Hrs-depleted DCs. These data indicated that Hrs is involved in the regulation of antigen-presentation activity through the exosome secretion.

Research highlights
► The secretion of exosomes are suppressed in Hrs-depleted dendritic cells (DCs).
► Exosomes from Hrs-depleted DCs possess attenuated antigen-presenting activity.
► Exosome secretion and DC activation are regulated by independent mechanisms.