Mechanisms of cellular communication through intercellular protein transfer

Abstract

In a multicellular system, cellular communication is a must for orchestration and coordination of cellular events. Advent of the latest analytical and imaging tools has allowed us to enhance our understanding of the intercellular communication. An intercellular exchange of proteins or intact membrane patches is a ubiquitous phenomenon, and has been the subject of renewed interest, particularly in the context of immune cells. Recent evidence implicates that intercellular protein transfers, including trogocytosis is an important mechanism of the immune system to modulate immune responses and transferred proteins can also contribute to pathology. It has been demonstrated that intercellular protein transfer can be through the internalization/pathway, dissociation-associated pathway, uptake of exosomes and membrane nanotube formations. Exchange of membrane molecules/antigens between immune cells has been observed for a long time, but the mechanisms and functional consequences of these transfers remain unclear. In this review, we will discuss the important findings concerning intercellular protein transfers, possible mechanisms and highlight their physiological relevance to the immune system, with special reference to T cells such as the stimulatory or suppressive immune responses derived from T cells with acquired dendritic cell membrane molecules.

Horizontal transfer of microRNAs: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications

“…Finally, intercellular protein exchange has long been the subject of intensive investigations (Davis, 2007;Rechavi et al, 2009;Ahmed and Xiang, 2011). Intercellular protein transfer can occur via the internalization pathway, the dissociation-associated pathway, exosome uptake and membrane nanotube formation (Davis, 2007;Rechavi et al, 2009;Ahmed and Xiang, 2011).…”

“…With the development of higher eukaryotes, the intercellular exchange of genetic material is restricted (Keeling and Palmer, 2008;Holmgren, 2010;Dunning Hotopp, 2011). However, recent reports have described the intriguing idea that the intercellular exchange of genetic material may still occur in multicellular organisms through several distinct pathways (Holmgren et al, 1999;Bergsmedh et al, 2001;Ratajczak et al, 2006;Davis, 2007;Deregibus et al, 2007;Valadi et al, 2007;Rechavi et al, 2009;Ahmed and Xiang, 2011). As such, comprehensive reviews have discussed the potential roles of nanotubes, exosomes, apoptotic bodies and nucleic acid-binding peptides in the intercellular transfer of genetic information (Belting and Wittrup, 2008).…”

Immunosuppression of breast cancer cells mediated by transforming growth factor-β in exosomes from cancer cells

“…Recently, exosomes have emerged as potent communicators between tumors and their microenvironment, and potential contributors to tumorigenesis and subsequent metastasis (2,3). Exosomes are nanoparticles of 50-100 nm in size, and are reported to be derived from endosomes or multivesicular bodies.…”

The regulation of cancer cell migration by lung cancer cell-derived exosomes through TGF-β and IL-10

“…As angiogenesis is required for all stages of tumor growth, proangiogenic factors such as TGF-β and VEGF are required for tumor formation and development (3)(4)(5)(6). Previous studies have proposed that exosomes are potent communicators between tumors and their microenvironment, and potentially contribute to tumorigenesis and subsequent metastasis (7,8).…”