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Receptor Agonism

Meaning

The specific biochemical process where a molecule, known as an agonist, binds to a cellular receptor and initiates a maximal or near-maximal biological response, effectively mimicking the action of the body’s natural endogenous ligand, such as a hormone. This action is crucial for therapeutic agents designed to activate a hormonal pathway that is deficient or underperforming. Understanding agonism is fundamental to designing effective hormone-mimicking medications.