Cell-to-cell contact

Cell-to-cell contact, also known as juxtacrine or contact-dependent signaling, is a fundamental biological process where physical interaction between adjacent cells mediates signal transmission [2, 6]. This communication is facilitated by diverse molecular structures, including cell adhesion molecules like cadherins and integrins, gap junctions composed of connexins, and membrane-bound ligand-receptor pairs such as Notch-Delta and PD-1/PD-L1 [1, 3, 6]. These interactions are essential for coordinating physiological functions including embryonic development, immune system activation, and the maintenance of tissue architecture [4, 7]. In pathological states, dysregulated cell-to-cell contact plays a pivotal role in cancer metastasis through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune evasion via checkpoint signaling [1, 2, 8]. Furthermore, certain pathogens, such as HIV and HTLV-1, exploit direct cell-to-cell contact via virological synapses to spread efficiently while avoiding neutralizing antibodies [9, 13]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways include monoclonal antibodies that block adhesion or immune checkpoints, as well as small molecules intended to modulate gap junction permeability or disrupt cell-mediated viral dissemination [1, 2, 8, 13].

Other names

Juxtacrine signalingContact-dependent signalingDirect intercellular communicationCell-cell interaction

Inhibition of cell adhesion via integrin blockade, disruption of immune checkpoint interactions, modulation of gap junction permeability, and inhibition of contact-dependent viral transmission [1, 2, 8, 13].