Ligand

Definition

In pharmacology, "ligand" is the general term for anything that docks into a receptor. Peptide drugs are ligands designed to mimic or block the endogenous ligand for a given receptor.

Related terms

• ReceptorA cellular protein that binds a specific ligand and triggers a downstream response.
• AgonistA drug that activates a receptor, producing a biological response.
• AntagonistA drug that binds a receptor without activating it, blocking agonist action.