Surface Transfer

This illustration was inspired by a research article for the Nobel prize winner Carolyn Bertozzi. Her team have created a special molecule called a TrogoTAC that acts like a bridge between two cells. This bridge allows certain proteins to be transferred from one cell (the donor) to another cell (the receiver). The researchers showed they could move various proteins between different types of cells, particularly to immune cells called B cells.
This technique is important because:
It provides a way to change the proteins on a cell's surface without altering its genes.
It could help scientists study how different proteins affect cell behavior.
It might lead to new ways to treat diseases by modifying cells in the body.
They demonstrated that this method is very precise, allowing them to target specific cell types. They also found that when they moved one protein, some other nearby proteins were transferred as well.
This new tool could be valuable for both medical research and potentially developing new treatments in the future.