Multiple endogenous cell-surface receptors

The term Multiple endogenous cell-surface receptors refers to a broad and heterogeneous collection of proteins located on the plasma membrane that respond to external stimuli. This category encompasses several distinct families, including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and ligand-gated ion channels (Source: Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th Edition). These receptors are fundamental to physiological processes such as signal transduction, cell growth, and neurotransmission by converting extracellular chemical or physical signals into intracellular responses. Because this term describes a functional class rather than a specific molecular entity, it is not considered a valid single therapeutic target. In pharmacology, drugs that interact with multiple endogenous cell-surface receptors are often described as having a polypharmacological profile, which can be beneficial for complex diseases like schizophrenia but often carries a higher risk of off-target adverse effects (Source: Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, "The molecular basis of polypharmacology"). Consequently, this designation is typically used in a general sense to describe the wide-ranging activity of non-selective ligands or the overall receptor landscape of a cell type.

Other names

Cell-surface receptorsMembrane-bound receptorsSurface antigens

Broad modulation of various membrane-bound signaling proteins depending on the specific ligand.