The molecular basis of induction and formation of tunneling nanotubes

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) and associated structures are recently recognized structures for intercellular communication. They are F-actin containing thin protrusions of the plasma membrane of a cell and allow a direct physical connection to the plasma membranes of remote cells. TNTs and associated structures serve as mediators for intercellular transfer of organelles as well as membrane components and cytoplasmic molecules. Moreover, several pathogens were shown to exploit these structures to spread among cells. Because of their contribution to normal cellular functions and importance in pathological conditions, studies on TNTs and related structures have accelerated over the past few years. These studies have revealed key molecules for their induction and/or formation; HIV Nef and M-Sec can induce the formation of TNTs in coordination with the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and vesicle trafficking

HIV-1 requires Arf6-mediated membrane dynamics to efficiently enter and infect T lymphocytes

As Arf6 is key to coordinating plasma membrane trafficking and regulates cellular invasion by several microorganisms, the authors studied Arf6 function during early HIV-1 infection. The data suggest that HIV-1 requires Arf6-driven plasma membrane dynamics and depends on GTP/GDP activity to efficiently fuse, enter, and infect CD4+ T lymphocytes