Trogocytosis

Trogocytosis is the antigen-specific, receptor-driven transfer of plasma membrane and its associated molecules between two cells in direct contact, occurring at the immunological synapse. Unlike phagocytosis, the transferred molecules retain their surface localization and function in the recipient cell.

In the tumor microenvironment, trogocytosis among T cells, NK cells, macrophages/neutrophils, and tumor cells reshapes anti-tumor immunity, and the same process undermines CAR-T/CAR-NK cell therapy by depleting the target antigen and triggering fratricide.