Intercellular signaling via transfer of bioactive molecules

Intercellular signaling via transfer of bioactive molecules encompasses the diverse mechanisms by which cells exchange information using diffusible molecules (such as hormones, growth factors, neurotransmitters, and cytokines) or direct cell–cell contact (including gap junctions and juxtacrine signaling)[1][2][3][4][5][6]. This process is fundamental for multicellular organism development, tissue homeostasis, immune responses, and coordination of physiological and pathological states. Rather than being a distinct molecular entity, it represents a category of pathways and signaling events crucial for cellular coordination, with roles in disease and health that depend on the specific molecules and receptors involved. This entry should not be treated as a discrete molecular target for drug development or therapeutic intervention. Instead, more specific molecular targets (such as Notch receptor, Wnt signaling pathway proteins, or individual cytokine receptors) involved in particular intercellular signaling pathways should be considered when seeking actionable drug targets[5].

Other names

Intercellular communicationintercellular signalingcell–cell communicationcell signaling