3 - Surface Recognition: Receptors and Disease

Abstract

This chapter focuses on cell-surface recognition sites, with emphasis on pharmacological receptors, such as the ones involved in the action of insulin, epinephrine, and other endogenous hormone-like agents. In terms of cell-surface recognition sites, it is important to distinguish so-called pharmacological receptors that mediate the action of agents, such as epinephrine from other cell-surface recognition sites. These other nonpharmocological receptors are responsible for processes, such as the selective cellular uptake of nutrients, the uptake of intracellular regulators, or the binding of viruses or toxins. Recognition sites of the type involved in cellular uptake are named as acceptors or receptors of the class II type. The essential property of a pharmacological receptor comprises its dual function of concurrently (1) recognizing a ligand with exquisite selectivity and (2) translating the binding information into a chemical signal that elicits a cellular response. The chapter discusses the roles that pharmacological receptors can play in human disease.