Molecular Transfers through Transient Lymphoid Cell-Cell Channels

Intercellular communication is inherent to life and has evolved with extremely diversified forms from prokaryotes to the most sophisticated multicellular eukaryotes. Haematopoietic cells from mammalians have adapted a transient and highly versatile means for the direct transfer of molecular information through cell-cell channels. This channel takes place and operates transiently at a highly specialised interface now referred to as the immunological synapse. The oriented transfer of membrane molecules from one cell to another is now referred to as trogocytosis, a cell process discovered recently, but which consequences have been described for decades without clear understanding of its cellular basis. This article will review current state-of-the-art knowledge on trogocytosis, its technological use and physiological significance.