Endocytosis (specifically receptor-mediated endocytosis, if referring to transfer of defined molecules)

Endocytosis is an active cellular process by which cells internalize extracellular substances—such as RNA, proteins, or bioactive molecules—via invagination of the plasma membrane, resulting in vesicle formation. A key form, receptor-mediated endocytosis, involves specific membrane proteins (receptors) that bind target molecules and facilitate their uptake in clathrin-coated vesicles. This process plays fundamental roles in nutrient acquisition, signal transduction, and intercellular communication, and is exploited by certain pathogens for cell entry. Importantly, "transfer of RNA, proteins, and bioactive molecules to recipient cells" refers to this general biological process, not to a unique molecular drug target.

Other names

receptor-mediated endocytosisclathrin-mediated endocytosisvesicular uptakecellular internalization of macromoleculescell-to-cell molecular transfer