Cell-cell interaction
Encyclopedia
Cell–cell interaction refers to the direct interactions between cells
that play a role in the development
and function of multicellular organisms.
Interactions between cells can be stable cell junctions involved in the organization of tissues
or transient, such as the interactions between cells of the immune system
or the interactions involved in tissue inflammation
..
These types of intercellular interactions are distinguished from other types of interactions, such as those between cells and the extracellular matrix
.
Cell (biology)
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. The Alberts text discusses how the "cellular building blocks" move to shape developing embryos....
that play a role in the development
Developmental biology
Developmental biology is the study of the process by which organisms grow and develop. Modern developmental biology studies the genetic control of cell growth, differentiation and "morphogenesis", which is the process that gives rise to tissues, organs and anatomy.- Related fields of study...
and function of multicellular organisms.
Interactions between cells can be stable cell junctions involved in the organization of tissues
Tissue (biology)
Tissue is a cellular organizational level intermediate between cells and a complete organism. A tissue is an ensemble of cells, not necessarily identical, but from the same origin, that together carry out a specific function. These are called tissues because of their identical functioning...
or transient, such as the interactions between cells of the immune system
Immune system
An immune system is a system of biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells. It detects a wide variety of agents, from viruses to parasitic worms, and needs to distinguish them from the organism's own...
or the interactions involved in tissue inflammation
Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...
..
These types of intercellular interactions are distinguished from other types of interactions, such as those between cells and the extracellular matrix
Extracellular matrix
In biology, the extracellular matrix is the extracellular part of animal tissue that usually provides structural support to the animal cells in addition to performing various other important functions. The extracellular matrix is the defining feature of connective tissue in animals.Extracellular...
.