Co-receptor

A co-receptor is a cell surface receptor that binds a signalling molecule in addition to a primary receptor in order to facilitate ligand recognition and initiate a biological process, such as entry of a pathogen into a host cell.

The co-receptor may be a required component of the ligand complex, or may just increase sensitivity of the receptor.

Lymphocyte Development (Pillai) defines a co-receptor as a signaling receptor that directly associates with the very same antigen that is seen by the antigen receptor. As a result, an antigen may physically bring together an antigen receptor and a co-receptor. Signaling molecules associated with the coreceptor may "turn on" the antigen receptor.

See also

• Receptor (biochemistry)
• Signal transduction

References

1. Pillai S. 2000. Lymphocyte Development. Birkhäuser: Boston.

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