Intercellular Tunneling\nNanotubes as Natural Biophotonic\nConveyors

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), submicrometer membranous\nchannels that\nbridge and connect distant cells, play a pivotal role in intercellular\ncommunication. Organelle transfer within TNTs is crucial in regulating\ncell growth, signal transmission, and disease progression. However,\nprecise control over individual organelle transport within TNTs remains\nelusive. In this study, we introduce an optical technique that harnesses\nTNTs as biophotonic conveyors for the directional transport of individual\norganelles between cells. By utilizing near-infrared light propagating\nalong the TNTs, optical forces were exerted on the organelles, enabling\ntheir active transport in a predetermined direction and at a controlled\nvelocity. As a potential application, TNT conveyors were employed\nto inhibit mitochondrial hijacking from immune cells to cancer cells,\nthereby activating immune cells and suppressing cancer cell growth.\nFurthermore, neural modulation was achieved by transporting mitochondria\nand neurotransmitter-containing vesicles between neurons via TNT conveyors\nand axonal conveyors, respectively. This study presents a robust and\nprecise approach to immune activation and neural regulation through\nthe manipulation of organelle transfer at the subcellular level.