Paracrine signaling

Paracrine signaling is a way cells communicate with nearby cells by releasing chemical signals, called messengers or factors. These signals diffuse through the surrounding fluid and bind to specific receptors on neighboring cells, influencing their behavior—such as growth, division, or function. This process allows cells to coordinate activities within tissues, playing a key role in development, immune responses, and healing. Unlike hormones that travel through the bloodstream over long distances, paracrine signals act locally, affecting closely situated cells to maintain tissue balance and respond quickly to changes.