Communication between cells is essential in all physiological and pathological processes in multicellular organisms. A recently discovered method of cell-cell communication is the formation of long cell projections, termed tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), by one cell that may reach and dock onto distantly located cells, allowing exchange of biological information between these previously unconnected cells. The candidate’s research team discovered that, upon infection of cells with the alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus, the viral US3 protein kinase triggers the formation of TNTs. However, the mechanism underlying US3-induced TNT formation is incompletely understood. In addition, it is currently unclear which type of biomolecules can be transported via US3-induced TNTs and if such communication alerts the immune response. To clarify this, state-of-the-art technology (including photoporation) and immunological readouts will be used. Finally, there are indications that formation of TNTs may have therapeutic potential in alphaherpesvirus-based oncolytic virotherapy. The PhD candidate will assess whether different US3 homologs have different potential in this respect. Overall, the current PhD research will generate new insights in the mechanism underlying alphaherpesvirus-induced TNTs (and possibly TNTs in general) and the type of (immunologically relevant) information that is spread via this fascinating but still incompletely understood method of intercellular communication.