Host immune receptors

Host immune receptors are a diverse and broad category of proteins expressed by various cells, particularly those of the immune system, to detect and respond to internal and external stimuli. This group encompasses Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) like Toll-like receptors that sense pathogens, as well as highly specific antigen receptors like T-cell and B-cell receptors. They also include cytokine and chemokine receptors that coordinate the inflammatory response and cellular trafficking. In disease states, these receptors can be overactive, leading to chronic inflammation or autoimmunity, or suppressed, allowing for cancer progression or persistent infection. Consequently, they are among the most significant classes of therapeutic targets, with drugs ranging from monoclonal antibodies that block checkpoint receptors in oncology to small molecule agonists that enhance vaccine efficacy. Because this term refers to a vast superfamily of proteins rather than a single molecular entity, it is considered a functional category rather than a specific drug target.

Other names

Immune receptorsPattern recognition receptors (PRRs)Antigen receptorsCytokine receptorsChemokine receptorsFc receptorsToll-like receptors (TLRs)NOD-like receptors (NLRs)RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs)

Agonism, Antagonism, Neutralization, and Allosteric modulation of various immune signaling pathways.