Intercellular Tunneling Nanotubes as Natural Biophotonic Conveyors

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