Tachykinin Neurokinin-2 Receptor (NK2R)

The Tachykinin Neurokinin-2 Receptor (NK2R) is a G protein-coupled receptor that belongs to the tachykinin receptor family. It is primarily activated by the neuropeptide Neurokinin A and plays a crucial role in smooth muscle contraction/relaxation, gastrointestinal motility, airway tone, bladder activity, vasodilation, and immune modulation. NK2R is expressed in peripheral tissues, particularly in the smooth muscle of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts, with limited expression in the central nervous system. NK2 antagonists are being explored as potential treatments for asthma, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bladder dysfunction, and anxiety. Altered signaling through NK2R is implicated in various diseases involving smooth muscle dysfunction or neurogenic inflammation.

Other names

Tachykinin receptor 2Substance-K receptorNK2 receptor

NK2 receptor antagonism