Recipient cells

Recipient cells refer to a broad category of cells that serve as the destination for biological signals, genetic material, or therapeutic delivery vehicles. In the context of intercellular communication, these cells internalize extracellular vesicles (EVs) or ligands, which subsequently modulate the recipient cell's physiological state (Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2018). In clinical applications such as gene therapy or organ transplantation, the recipient cells are the host cells that incorporate exogenous DNA or donor tissue (NIH, 2023). Because this term describes a functional role across diverse cell types rather than a specific molecular entity like a receptor or enzyme, it is not classified as a distinct therapeutic target. Understanding the properties of recipient cells is crucial for optimizing the specificity and efficacy of drug delivery systems and regenerative medicines. The interaction between a delivery vector and a recipient cell often involves specific surface receptors, but the term 'recipient cell' encompasses the entire biological unit. In oncology, recipient cells in the pre-metastatic niche are primed by primary tumor signals to support future colonization (Nature, 2015). Consequently, while recipient cells are the focus of many therapies, they represent a site of action rather than a single targetable molecule.

Other names

Target cellsAcceptor cellsHost cells

Not applicable as this is a cellular category rather than a specific molecular target.