Vomeronasal type-1 receptor (VN1R)

Pheromone receptors are a specialized class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that detect chemical signals known as pheromones, which mediate social and reproductive behaviors within a species [1, 2]. In most mammals, these receptors are located in the vomeronasal organ (VNO), but in humans, the VNO is often considered vestigial, and many pheromone receptor genes have become pseudogenes [2, 3]. However, a subset of Vomeronasal type-1 receptors (VN1Rs) remains functional and is expressed in the human olfactory mucosa, where they are thought to influence the limbic system and modulate emotional responses [3, 4]. These receptors have emerged as novel therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly social anxiety disorder and depression [5]. Investigational drugs like Aloradine (PH94B) and Itruvazert (PH10) are designed as nasal sprays to bind these receptors and rapidly modulate neural circuits involved in fear and mood without systemic absorption [5, 6]. Despite this progress, the extent of pheromone-driven behavior in humans and the precise mechanism of these receptors remain areas of active investigation [2, 4].

Other names

Pheromone receptorV1RVomeronasal receptorVomeronasal sensory receptorVN1R family

Agonist of vomeronasal type-1 receptors in the nasal passages, leading to rapid modulation of the limbic system and amygdala activity to reduce anxiety or improve mood.