Decoding cellular population dynamics through mechanistic modelling and statistical data analysis

Abstract Cell-cell communication underlies key processes in development, immunity, and disease, yet capturing its mechanistic complexity remains challenging. While advances in single-cell omics have revealed new insights into cell-type diversity, mathematical modelling has become essential for deriving mechanistic understanding of their communication networks. Here, we overview established modelling approaches and highlight the need for frameworks that move beyond steady-state assumptions and single-step processes, better reflecting the nature of cell–cell communication.