Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) have been described as a novel mechanism for intercellular communication. However, the ability of epidermal cells to utilize TNTs remains a mystery. In this issue, Su and Igyártó (2019) showed that Langerhans cells (LCs) obtain mRNA from keratinocytes (KC) in vivo presumably via TNTs. The demonstration of exchange of genetic material from KC to LC in vivo is an an unexpected method of antigen acquisition by LC and also an important consideration when analyzing transcriptomic data.
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