Cell cross-talk and interactions: A review of structure and function

Abstract

Cell-cell interactions are central to the function of many organ systems. The contact between cells and their microenvironment is fundamental both during development and for the preservation of tissue structure. Picking out the signals coming from the surrounding environment enables cells to react promptly to changes that may occur. This work provides a comprehensive review on cell interactions and cross-talk in normal physiological and some pathological conditions of different tissues and organs of the human body (e.g. embryonic, vascular, dendritic, natural killer, cardiac, nerve, lung, testicular, epidermal, and dermal cells). It aimed to explore the nature of this phenomenon and its role in regulating or directing normal cellular function. The mode of cellular interaction was discussed on the basis of biochemical data regarding cytokines or through actual cell contact through different types of junctions or synaptic ribbons. Further understanding of how cell-cell interactions modulate tissue function will allow us to gain fundamental biological insight as well as suggest approaches that will allow the manipulation of tissue function in vitro and for therapeutic applications in vivo. © 2013 The Egyptian Journal of Histology.