FIG 7.

Proposed model of exosome entry and delivery of IFN-α-induced HBV resistance. After binding to TIM-1, exosomes from IFN-α-stimulated macrophages enter HBV-replicating hepatocytes through CME (rapid mode) and macropinocytosis (sustained mode). Endocytosed exosomes traffic to LEs/MVBs and fuse with LBPA-rich ILVs. Trapped antiviral cargo in the ILVs is released to the cytosol via the back-fusion of ILVs with the limiting membrane of LEs/MVBs (violet arrow). Alternatively, ILV-derived exosomes release antiviral cargo via direct fusion with LEs/MVBs (blue arrow).