Cellular membranes and recipient cells

Cellular membranes are dynamic phospholipid bilayers that define the boundaries of cells and organelles, providing structural integrity and facilitating selective permeability (Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th ed.). Recipient cells are the specific biological entities that receive and process signals or therapeutic agents, often through the interaction of their plasma membranes with extracellular vesicles or synthetic delivery vehicles like lipid nanoparticles (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2021, 20:375-394). These membranes host a variety of proteins, including receptors and transporters, which are the actual molecular targets for most pharmacological interventions (NIH, National Human Genome Research Institute, "Plasma Membrane"). However, the term "cellular membranes and recipient cells" describes a broad biological compartment and a destination for drug delivery rather than a single, specific therapeutic target. While the physical properties of the membrane—such as fluidity and charge—influence drug uptake, they are generally considered parameters for delivery optimization rather than targets themselves (PubMed, PMC5845345). In the context of advanced therapies like mRNA vaccines or gene therapy, the recipient cell's membrane is the barrier that must be overcome to achieve intracellular delivery. Because this term encompasses all cell types and their structural boundaries, it lacks the specificity required for a canonical drug target designation. Consequently, this entry is categorized as a general biological structure or a physiological destination rather than a discrete molecular target.

Other names

Plasma membraneCell membraneTarget cellsHost cellsCytoplasmic membrane

Not applicable as this refers to a broad biological compartment and destination for drug delivery rather than a specific molecular target.