Immune system modulation via secretome, extracellular vesicles, and cell-contact

This concept describes the three primary modes of communication used by the immune system to coordinate population-level responses and maintain homeostasis. The secretome consists of soluble proteins like cytokines and chemokines that act over distances to recruit and activate cells (Buzas, 2023, Nature Reviews Immunology). Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes, serve as complex delivery vehicles for proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, allowing for the transfer of functional information between cells (Buzas, 2023; MDPI, 2021, Biology). Direct cell-contact involves physical interactions at the immunological synapse, where surface receptors and ligands (e.g., TCR-MHC or PD-1/PD-L1) dictate cell fate and activity (MDPI, 2021). Together, these mechanisms are critical for mounting effective immune responses against pathogens and are frequently dysregulated in conditions such as cancer, where they are targeted by therapies like checkpoint inhibitors and cytokine blockers (Buzas, 2023; Oxford Academic, 2019, Stem Cells Translational Medicine). This integrated network allows for the collective modulation of immune cell phenotypes, shifting populations between pro-inflammatory and regulatory states.

Other names

Immune cell crosstalkIntercellular communication in the immune systemImmune secretome and vesicle signalingJuxtacrine and paracrine immune regulation

Modulation of immune cell populations through the secretion of soluble mediators (cytokines/chemokines), the release of extracellular vesicles (exosomes/microvesicles) containing bioactive cargo, and direct physical cell-to-cell interactions (receptor-ligand binding).