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Why can cancer cells seize the mitochondria of immune cells through TNT?
In today's biomedical research, the question of how tumor cells use surrounding immune cells to promote their own growth and spread has become a focus. What is particularly noteworthy is that cancer cells seem to have a special ability to seize the mitochondria of healthy immune cells through tunnel-like structures between cells - tunnel nanotubes (TNT). This phenomenon not only reveals the complexity of tumor biology, but also challenges our basic understanding of cell-cell interactions.
Tunnel nanotubes are considered a way for long-distance communication between cells. TNTs of different sizes can carry a variety of intracellular components, even complete mitochondria.
The formation and function of TNT
Tunnel nanotubes are structures that protrude outward from cell membranes, allowing direct communication between cells. It has been observed that these nanotubes can be induced to form in situations such as infection, inflammation or cell damage. Tunnel nanotubes can be up to 1.5 microns in diameter and can span multiple cell lengths, making them effective channels for intercellular material transfer. In the context of tumor cells, these conduits may be used to recruit mitochondria from surrounding healthy cells.
Cancer cells exhibit a unique competitive strategy by connecting with healthy cells through the production of TNT, which is crucial for their escape from the immune system.
How do cancer cells seize mitochondria?
This ability of tumor cells may take advantage of the characteristics of TNT to "rob" between cells. Research shows that when cancer cells "hijack" the mitochondria of immune cells, it's not just a transfer of material, but also the transmission of cell signals. Damaged mitochondrial DNA plays a key role in this process, serving as the main trigger inducing TNT formation. In addition, various factors in the tumor microenvironment may further promote this process.
The relationship between the formation of tunnel nanotubes and the snatching of mitochondria reveals the complexity of the battle between tumor cells and immune cells.
The biomedical significance of TNT
TNTs not only play a key role in tumor biology, their functions also provide insights into future therapeutic strategies. In the fields of immunotherapy and regenerative medicine, researchers are beginning to explore how these nanotubes can be used to promote the transfer of benign substances between cells, or conversely, inhibit their adverse effects to improve therapeutic effects. For example, some scientists are studying how to use TNT to deliver therapeutic drugs to specific cells to precisely fight tumors.
Future treatments will not only target tumor cells, but also comprehensively intervene in their survival strategies and signaling pathways.
Conclusion
The discovery of tunnel nanotubes not only enriches our understanding of cell-cell interactions, but also raises new questions: In this "war" between cells, can we find effective ways to inhibit the immune response of cancer cells? System hijacking?
