[7TM receptors--from the olfactory system and new hormones against HIV infection]

It has recently become evident that all types of chemical messengers, hormones and transmitters act through membrane receptors which constitute our largest superfamily of proteins, i.e. the G protein-coupled receptors. These proteins, which are characterized by having seven transmembrane segments (7TM), also act as, for example sensors for light and odor components in our sensory systems. Already today monoamine 7TM receptors are the target for many drugs; however, the development of non-peptide ligands for a variety of peptide receptors indicates that probably all 7TM receptors can become pharmacotherapeutic targets. The discovery that chemokine receptors function as the crucial cofactors for cell entry of HIV-1 suggests that antagonists or agonists for one or more chemokine 7TM receptor could be interesting agents against AIDS. The occurrence of a multitude of orphan 7TM receptors without known ligand indicates, that surprisingly large areas within endocrinology and neuroscience are still today waiting to be characterized.