Cell cross-talk and interactions: a review of structure andfunction

Cell–cell interactions are central to the function of many organ systems. The contactbetween cells and their microenvironment is fundamental both during developmentand for the preservation of tissue structure. Picking out the signals coming fromthe surrounding environment enables cells to react promptly to changes that mayoccur. This work provides a comprehensive review on cell interactions and crosstalkin normal physiological and some pathological conditions of different tissuesand organs of the human body (e.g. embryonic, vascular, dendritic, natural killer,cardiac, nerve, lung, testicular, epidermal, and dermal cells). It aimed to explorethe nature of this phenomenon and its role in regulating or directing normal cellularfunction. The mode of cellular interaction was discussed on the basis of biochemicaldata regarding cytokines or through actual cell contact through different types ofjunctions or synaptic ribbons. Further understanding of how cell–cell interactionsmodulate tissue function will allow us to gain fundamental biological insight aswell as suggest approaches that will allow the manipulation of tissue functionin vitro and for therapeutic applications in vivo.