Novel receptor

The term "Novel receptor" is a generic descriptor used in biomedical research and drug discovery to refer to a newly identified or characterized receptor protein whose specific role in physiology or disease is under investigation. It does not refer to a single, canonical molecular entity but rather serves as a placeholder in scientific literature for emerging targets across various families, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and viral entry factors. For example, proteins like Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), GPR75, and HCAR2 have been described as "novel receptors" in the context of their respective discoveries in COVID-19, macular degeneration, and heme sensing. Because the term is ambiguous and lacks a standardized definition, it cannot be associated with a specific set of biological functions, disease roles, or pharmacological profiles. Analysts should identify the specific gene or protein name (e.g., a gene symbol or UniProt ID) to accurately assess therapeutic potential and safety.

Other names

Newly identified receptorEmerging receptor targetOrphan receptorNovel therapeutic target

Not applicable for a generic term.