Journal
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
Volume 9, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00043
Keywords
tunneling nanotubes; myeloid cells; innate immunity; pathogens; HIV-1
Categories
Funding
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche [ANR 2010-01301, ANR14-CE11-0020-02, ANR16-CE13-0005-01, ANR-11-EQUIPEX-0003]
- Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le Sida et les hepatites virales [ANRS2014-CI-2, ANRS2014-049]
- ECOS-Sud program [A14S01]
- Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale [DEQ2016 0334894, DEQ2016 0334902]
- Fondation Bettencourt-Schueller
- Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France
- Sidaction
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Tunneling nanotubes (TNT) are dynamic connections between cells, which represent a novel route for cell-to-cell communication. A growing body of evidence points TNT towards a role for intercellular exchanges of signals, molecules, organelles, and pathogens, involving them in a diverse array of functions. TNT form among several cell types, including neuronal cells, epithelial cells, and almost all immune cells. In myeloid cells (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells, and osteoclasts), intercellular communication via TNT contributes to their differentiation and immune functions. Importantly, TNT enable myeloid cells to communicate with a targeted neighboring or distant cell, as well as with other cell types, therefore creating a complex variety of cellular exchanges. TNT also contribute to pathogen spread as they serve as corridors from a cell to another. Herein, we addressed the complexity of the definition and in vitro characterization of TNT in innate immune cells, the different processes involved in their formation, and their relevance in vivo. We also assess our current understanding of how TNT participate in immune surveillance and the spread of pathogens, with a particular interest for HIV-1. Overall, despite recent progress in this growing research field, we highlight that further investigation is needed to better unveil the role of TNT in both physiological and pathological conditions.
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