Multiple cellular proteins and pathways

The term "Multiple cellular proteins and pathways" does not refer to a single, discrete biological entity but rather describes a broad pharmacological profile where a therapeutic agent interacts with numerous molecular targets simultaneously. This phenomenon, often referred to as polypharmacology, is characteristic of certain complex drugs, natural products, or multi-kinase inhibitors that exert their effects through the modulation of diverse signaling cascades and cellular components (Hopkins, A. L., 2008, Nature Chemical Biology). In many cases, targeting multiple pathways is a deliberate strategy to overcome drug resistance or to treat complex diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration, where a single-target approach may be insufficient (Anighoro, A., et al., 2014, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry). However, from a regulatory and drug development perspective, this lack of specificity can complicate the characterization of a drug's primary mechanism of action and increase the risk of off-target toxicities (Guimaraes, C. R., et al., 2011, Current Pharmaceutical Design). Because it encompasses a vast range of potential interactions, it is not classified as a canonical therapeutic target in biological databases like UniProt or the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology. Instead, it serves as a placeholder or a descriptive category for agents with systemic or pleiotropic biological activities. Consequently, this entry is considered "incorrect" as a specific target name because it lacks the molecular specificity required for precise drug-target annotation and therapeutic classification.

Other names

Multi-targetPolypharmacologyPleiotropic targetsNon-specific targets

Multi-target modulation or polypharmacology