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Original illustrations of key receptor pharmacology concepts

A drug molecule shaped like a key fitting into a receptor in a cell membrane

Illustration: an agonist fits its receptor like a key in a lock and switches it on.

A G protein-coupled receptor with seven helices crossing the membrane and a G protein beneath it

Illustration: a G protein-coupled receptor with seven membrane-spanning helices passing its signal to a G protein.

A ligand-gated ion channel opening in the membrane and letting ions flow into the cell

Illustration: a ligand-gated ion channel opens when agonist molecules bind, letting ions flow into the cell.

A hormone entering a cell and binding a receptor inside the nucleus next to a strand of DNA

Illustration: a fat-soluble hormone enters the cell and activates a nuclear receptor that switches genes on or off.

Dose-response curves on a log scale showing a full agonist reaching a higher maximum than a partial agonist

Illustration: dose-response curves on a log scale; the full agonist reaches a higher maximum than the partial agonist.

Two receptors side by side: one activated by an agonist and glowing, one blocked by an antagonist

Illustration: an agonist activates its receptor while an antagonist occupies the receptor without activating it.

A receptor with a main binding site and a second, separate allosteric site where a modulator binds

Illustration: an allosteric modulator binds a second site on the receptor, separate from the main agonist site.

One receptor sending a strong signal down one pathway and a weaker signal down another

Illustration: a biased agonist favours one signalling pathway (G protein) over another (arrestin).

A nerve terminal releasing acetylcholine from vesicles onto receptors across a synapse

Illustration: a nerve terminal releases acetylcholine onto muscarinic and nicotinic receptors.