Trogocytosis and Allergy

Trogocytosis is the process of engulfment of a portion of a cell’s membrane by another cell. This process is characterized by the transfer of membrane fragments and proteins between adjacent cells without their complete fusion or phagocytosis, which distinguishes it from classical cellular uptake pathways. In the immune system, the initiating signal for trogocytosis is antigen presentation or the interaction of the Fc receptor with an antibody bound to the cell. During trogocytosis, T cells transfer not only the MHC molecule with the antigenic peptide, but also the costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86, OX-40 and others. As a result of trogocytosis, cells can transfer various surface molecules, acquire new immunological properties, and modulate each other’s activity. This review examines the basic mechanisms of trogocytosis, the involvement of T2-mediated immunity components in trogocytosis, and its possible role in allergies.