News from the T cell trogocytosis front

T cells can exchange parts of their plasma membrane along with membrane-associated proteins through trogocytosis. During trogocytosis only certain subsets of membrane-associated proteins seem to be exchanged suggesting a fine-tuned mechanism regulating the selection of what can be transferred. In this review, we describe potential models of trogocytosis and discuss mechanisms that could regulate this process in T cells. Additionally, we delve into how exchanged proteins polarize on the surface of recipient cells, discuss how trogocytosis allows T cells to acquire new functions, and summarize ways to modulate this process in T cells. Understanding trogocytosis can help us better understand the immune response and develop more effective immunotherapies.