Abstract

Cell-cell communication is indispensable across biological contexts, from maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating immune responses to influencing disease progression in cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic conditions. This intricate dialogue encompasses diverse mechanisms, including direct junctions, extracellular vesicles, mechanical cues, and metabolic coordination. Specific microenvironments like the tumor and stem cell niches critically rely on these interactions. Furthermore, the microbiome-host interplay and changes in cellular signaling during aging underscore the pervasive impact of cell communication on health and disease. Understanding these multifaceted exchanges is crucial for developing novel diagnostics and therapeutics.