Target cells

Target Cells are a type of cell that is affected by a particular agent, such as a hormone, drug, or virus. These cells have receptors on their surface that can bind to the agent, allowing it to exert its effects. The concept of target cells is fundamental in many areas of biology and medicine, including endocrinology, pharmacology, and immunology.

Overview

The term "target cell" is derived from the fact that these cells are the "target" of certain agents. For example, in the endocrine system, hormones are produced by endocrine glands and travel through the bloodstream to reach their target cells. The target cells have specific receptors for the hormone, which allows them to respond to its presence.

Receptors

The key feature of target cells is the presence of specific receptors on their surface. These receptors are proteins that can bind to a specific agent, such as a hormone or drug. The binding of the agent to the receptor triggers a response within the cell, which can include changes in gene expression, cell function, or cell survival.

Examples

There are many examples of target cells in the body. For example, in the endocrine system, each hormone has its own set of target cells. Insulin, for example, has target cells in the liver, muscle, and fat tissue. These cells have insulin receptors on their surface, which allows them to respond to the presence of insulin in the bloodstream.

In the immune system, target cells can be infected by viruses or other pathogens. The immune system recognizes these infected cells and targets them for destruction. For example, T cells in the immune system can recognize and kill target cells that are infected with a virus.

Clinical significance

Understanding the concept of target cells is important in many areas of medicine. In pharmacology, for example, drugs are often designed to target specific cells in the body. By understanding which cells are the target of a particular drug, scientists can predict its effects and potential side effects.

In diseases such as diabetes, the target cells for insulin become resistant to its effects, leading to high blood sugar levels. Understanding this process is crucial for the development of treatments for diabetes.

See also

• Cell biology
• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology
• Immunology