Salivary gland

The **salivary gland** is an exocrine gland, not a specific molecular target but an anatomical and functional tissue type found in mammals, including three major pairs—parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. These glands primarily function to produce and secrete saliva, which is essential for digestion (initiating starch breakdown via enzymes like amylase), oral lubrication, and protection of the oral mucosa[3][5]. The major salivary glands are made up of acinar, ductal, and myoepithelial cells[7]. Salivary glands can be affected by a range of diseases including tumors (e.g., mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma), infections (such as mumps), and autoimmune conditions (like Sjögren's syndrome)[1][3]. They are not considered molecular therapeutic targets themselves, although their neoplasms may harbor molecular alterations that allow targeted therapy; these, however, are properties of the specific tumor types rather than the gland as an anatomical entity[1][4]. Caveats: - "Salivary gland" refers to a tissue/organ system, not a specific molecule or therapeutic target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter. - If the intent was to select a druggable molecular target, refer to specific proteins or receptors expressed in salivary gland tumors (e.g., androgen receptor, HER2, etc.). - Information regarding interacting drugs or mechanisms of action is not applicable to the salivary gland as a whole, but may be relevant in the context of specific molecular lesions in salivary gland neoplasms[1][4].

Other names

Major salivary glandParotid glandSubmandibular glandSublingual gland