# Exosome-mediated delivery of microRNAs by root-knot nematodes

## TL;DR

Root-knot nematodes use exosomes to deliver microRNAs into plants, increasing host susceptibility and offering a new target to disrupt parasitism.

## Contribution

Discovery of microRNA-containing exosomes as a novel delivery mechanism for nematode pathogenic molecules in plants.

## Key findings

- Root-knot nematodes secrete exosomes containing microRNAs.
- These exosomes increase plant susceptibility to parasitism systemically.
- The findings reveal a new mechanism of nematode-plant communication.

## Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes secrete molecules to manipulate their hosts, but little is known about their mode of delivery and packaging. Here, we describe microRNA-containing exosomes that are secreted by root-knot nematodes and systemically increase host susceptibility. By revealing a novel mode of nematode-plant communication, our findings outline a mechanism for the delivery of nematode patho-molecules, offering a new target for disrupting parasitism at the level of vesicle-mediated delivery.