Around 1.5 million people worldwide become infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) every year. A research team led by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut has identified a previously unknown pathway for the egress of hepatitis B virus particles from cells: researchers were able to visualise intact virus particles in extracellular vesicles (exosomes) for the first time. Exosomes, small vesicles in cells that are released into the surroundings, serve as a means of transport and possibly as a protective covering. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology reports on the results in its online edition from 29 September 2022.