Immunomodulation via paracrine signaling pathways

Paracrine signaling pathways in immunomodulation refer to the mechanism by which cells in the immune system, as well as stromal and cancer cells, secrete signaling molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors into the local environment to affect the function of adjacent cells[1][2][3][5]. These signals act locally (unlike endocrine signals that travel long distances) and are critical for coordinating cell behavior during development, inflammation, tissue repair, immune responses, and disease progression[2][5][6][8][9]. The primary molecular families involved in paracrine signaling for immunomodulation include cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), chemokines (e.g., CXCL8/IL-8), growth factors (e.g., FGF, TGF-β), and their corresponding receptors (e.g., receptor tyrosine kinases, G protein-coupled receptors, cytokine receptors)[1][5][8][9]. Paracrine signaling modulates immune cell recruitment, activation, differentiation, and function, and plays a significant role in the tumor microenvironment, tissue regeneration, and pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases[5][6][9]. Therapeutic interventions focus on targeting key paracrine mediators and their associated receptors rather than the overall process.

Other names

Immunomodulation via paracrine signalingParacrine immunomodulationParacrine signaling in immunity

Mechanisms include inhibition, activation, or modulation of signaling molecule synthesis, release, receptor binding, or downstream pathway activation (e.g., blocking cytokine-receptor interactions, inhibiting growth factor signaling, suppressing chemokine gradients)