What is the significance of paracrine signaling?

Paracrine signaling allows for the communication of adjacent cells through releasing signaling molecules which attach and activate the surrounding cells. Without paracrine signaling, neurons would not be able to transmit signals to nearby cells and the nervous system would not function correctly. Additionally, autocrine and/or paracrine signaling are vital for early embryonic development and embryonic stem cell self-renewal as it helps promote a secret growth factor from one cell to a nearby target cell. Paracrine signaling also plays a role in the amplification and regulation of an inflammatory response in tissues or organs. They are also involved in the activation of immune responses in which different cell types are involved.