{"title":"Emerging approaches for antagonizing the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.","authors":"Zdeněk Dvořák, Sridhar Mani, Jan Vondráček","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.05.003","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antagonizing the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a highly pertinent pharmacotherapeutic strategy. To overcome the drawbacks of existing AhR antagonists, novel molecules that can selectively target canonical and noncanonical AhR pathways are urgently needed. Recent reports on the structures and functions of cytosolic and nuclear AhR-protein complexes have allowed for understanding structural determinants for intrinsic activity and functional selectivity of AhR ligands. This new information regarding AhR surface interactions has opened new avenues for the development of novel AhR antagonists. Achievable strategies include the negative allosteric modulation of AhR and the disruption of AhR-protein and AhR-DNA interfaces using peptidomimetics or small molecules. Here, we discuss such novel approaches that may lead to new AhR-targeted therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":" ","pages":"629-637"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9000,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2025.05.003","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2025/6/5 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Antagonizing the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a highly pertinent pharmacotherapeutic strategy. To overcome the drawbacks of existing AhR antagonists, novel molecules that can selectively target canonical and noncanonical AhR pathways are urgently needed. Recent reports on the structures and functions of cytosolic and nuclear AhR-protein complexes have allowed for understanding structural determinants for intrinsic activity and functional selectivity of AhR ligands. This new information regarding AhR surface interactions has opened new avenues for the development of novel AhR antagonists. Achievable strategies include the negative allosteric modulation of AhR and the disruption of AhR-protein and AhR-DNA interfaces using peptidomimetics or small molecules. Here, we discuss such novel approaches that may lead to new AhR-targeted therapeutics.
期刊介绍:
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (TIPS) is a monthly peer-reviewed reviews journal that focuses on a wide range of topics in pharmacology, pharmacy, pharmaceutics, and toxicology. Launched in 1979, TIPS publishes concise articles discussing the latest advancements in pharmacology and therapeutics research.
The journal encourages submissions that align with its core themes while also being open to articles on the biopharma regulatory landscape, science policy and regulation, and bioethics.
Each issue of TIPS provides a platform for experts to share their insights and perspectives on the most exciting developments in the field. Through rigorous peer review, the journal ensures the quality and reliability of published articles.
Authors are invited to contribute articles that contribute to the understanding of pharmacology and its applications in various domains. Whether it's exploring innovative drug therapies or discussing the ethical considerations of pharmaceutical research, TIPS provides a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the pharmacological sciences.