Trogocytosis in Unicellular Eukaryotes

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Parasitology
• Immunology

Background:

• Trogocytosis is a cellular mechanism involving the internalization of a portion of a live cell, distinct from phagocytosis.
• This process has been observed in various multicellular organisms and is implicated in intercellular communication, such as immune cell interactions.
• Trogocytosis-like phenomena are also reported in diverse unicellular organisms, including parasitic protists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of trogocytosis in unicellular organisms.
• To explore the history, taxonomic distribution, functions, and molecular mechanisms of trogocytosis in unicellular eukaryotes.
• To highlight the conserved nature and universality of trogocytosis across eukaryotic supergroups.

Main Methods:

• Literature review summarizing existing research on trogocytosis.
• Analysis of studies reporting trogocytosis in various unicellular organisms, including parasitic protists and free-living amoebae.
• Comparative analysis of trogocytosis mechanisms and functions across different eukaryotic lineages.

Main Results:

• Trogocytosis is a conserved mechanism found in diverse unicellular eukaryotes, such as *Entamoeba histolytica*, *Trichomonas*, *Plasmodium*, and *Toxoplasma*.
• *Entamoeba histolytica* utilizes trogocytosis to ingest human T cells, gaining complement resistance and acquiring MHC class I molecules.
• Trogocytosis facilitates intercellular communication and plays significant roles in host-pathogen interactions and immune responses.

Conclusions:

• Trogocytosis is a universally conserved mode of intercellular communication in eukaryotes, extending beyond multicellular organisms to include unicellular life.
• The study of trogocytosis in unicellular organisms provides insights into its evolutionary history and fundamental biological roles.
• Understanding trogocytosis in parasites like *E. histolytica* is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.