Dopamine D2 receptor; Dopamine D3 receptor (D2R; D3R)

The dopamine D2 receptor and dopamine D3 receptor are closely related members of the dopamine receptor family, belonging to the D2-like subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Both receptors are primarily expressed in the brain and play critical roles in modulating dopaminergic neurotransmission, affecting movement, cognition, reward, and emotion. D2 receptors are found pre- and post-synaptically, with the presynaptic D2 autoreceptor modulating dopamine release, and postsynaptic D2 involved in synaptic transmission. D3 receptors are predominantly located in limbic regions and implicated in emotional and cognitive functions; their distribution and pharmacology overlap but are distinct from D2 receptors. These receptors are major therapeutic targets in psychiatry and neurology—particularly for antipsychotics and anti-Parkinson agents—and are also under investigation as targets for addiction therapies. Pharmacological modulation can be achieved by antagonists (mainly for psychiatric diseases), agonists (movement disorders), and partial agonists (mood and psychosis), with unique side effect and efficacy profiles linked to their activity at these receptors.

Other names

D2 receptorD3 receptorDRD2 (gene symbol for Dopamine receptor D2)DRD3 (gene symbol for Dopamine receptor D3)D2-like dopamine receptor (family/group term)

Antagonists block dopamine binding to D2 and/or D3 receptors, reducing dopaminergic neurotransmission (e.g., antipsychotics). Partial agonists modulate receptor activity (e.g., aripiprazole, cariprazine, acting as functional modulators). Agonists activate D2 and/or D3 receptors, increasing dopaminergic signaling (e.g., in Parkinson’s disease).