Intercellular Communication

Definition

Intercellular communication is the exchange of signals between cells. These signals can include direct cell-to-cell contact, secreted proteins, hormones, neurotransmitters, inflammatory molecules, metabolites, and extracellular vesicles such as exosomes. Cell communication helps coordinate tissue function, immune responses, repair, metabolism, and development. [1] [2] [3]

Why It Matters in Ageing Research

Intercellular communication matters because ageing is not only a cell-intrinsic process. Changes in inflammatory signalling, immune communication, endocrine signalling, senescence-associated secretions, stem cell niches, and tissue-to-tissue coordination can influence how damage spreads or is repaired across the body. Altered intercellular communication is recognised as one of the hallmarks of ageing. [4] [5] [6]

Common Confusion

• Intercellular communication is not one pathway; it includes many signalling systems across tissues.
• Inflammation is one form of cell signalling, but not all intercellular communication is inflammatory.
• Age-related signalling changes can be harmful, protective, or context-dependent depending on timing, tissue, and dose.

Related Reading

• Hallmarks of Ageing
• Inflammaging
• Cellular Senescence
• Exosomes

References

1. Alberts, B., et al. (2015). Molecular Biology of the Cell. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21054/
2. Gerdes, H. H., & Carvalho, R. N. (2008). Intercellular transfer mediated by tunneling nanotubes. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceb.2008.03.005
3. Kalluri, R., & LeBleu, V. S. (2020). The biology, function, and biomedical applications of exosomes. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aau6977
4. Lopez-Otin, C., et al. (2013). The Hallmarks of Aging. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.05.039
5. Lopez-Otin, C., et al. (2023). Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.001
6. Campisi, J. (2013). Aging, Cellular Senescence, and Cancer. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-physiol-030212-183653