Cell-in-cell(CIC)is a phenomenon described as the active infiltration of one or more living cells into another living cell,forming intracellular structures and producing biological effects.This phenomenon was first ob-served and detailed in the early 20th century.However,it has only become an active area of research in cell biology in the past decade.As research advanced,scientists gradually recognized that the phenomenon of CIC exists in many biological systems and diseases,and has important physiological and pathological significance in evolution,development,homeosta-sis,and diseases,especially in tumors,which has important clinical research value.Currently,five forms of CIC struc-tures have been identified:cell cannibalism,phagoptosis,enclysis,entosis,and emperipolesis.Each form represents a distinct interaction between cells,characterized by unique cell types,biological characteristics,molecular mechanisms,and implications in pathophysiology.This article aims to review the cell types involved in each CIC structure,their biologi-cal characteristics and the molecular mechanisms driving these interactions,and to explore the potential clinical signifi-cance in the diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of human diseases.
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