Cytonemes and tunneling nanotubules in cell–cell communication and viral pathogenesis

摘要: Cells use a variety of intercellular structures, including gap junctions and synapses, for cell–cell communication. Here, we present recent advances in the understanding thin membrane bridges that function signaling transport. Cytonemes or filopodial connect neighboring cells via mechanisms adhesion, which enable ligand-receptor-mediated transfer surface-associated cargoes from cell to cell. By contrast, tunneling nanotubes establish tubular conduits between provide exchange both cell-surface molecules cytoplasmic content. We propose models biogenesis types describe how viruses these structures purpose cell-to-cell spread.