Figure 3.

Proposed models for the biogenesis of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). (A) The linkage between the outer membrane and the underneath peptidoglycan layer is disrupted. (B) A physical force induced by accumulation of misfiled or overexpressed envelope proteins pushes out outer membrane vesicles. (C) The accumulation of LPS molecules with atypical structures or charges leads to the curvature of outer membrane. (D) Local curvature of bacterial outer membrane is stimulated by extracellular signals (ie, PQS).