In the early 1990s a scientist at the National Cancer Institute had discovered that an already-existing molecule clings to a receptor on heat-shock proteins, preventing the survival of cancer cells.

FORBES: Genius For Hire

Dr. Brentjens and a fellow co-author hold a patent on the engineered T-cell receptor.

WSJ: Gene Therapy Shows Promise as Cancer Treatment

Dr. Brentjens and a co-author hold a patent on the engineered T-cell receptor.

WSJ: Gene Therapy Shows Promise as Cancer Treatment

Anadys Pharmaceuticals is in early-stage human tests with drugs that stimulate the so-called TLR-7 receptor on immune cells to produce interferon just where it is needed.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Dopamine-producing nerve cells have acetylcholine-receptor molecules on their surfaces.

ECONOMIST: Great drug, shame about the delivery system | The

In 1987 Biogen and Harvard University scientists were experimenting with a receptor called CD-2, situated on the surface of T cells.

FORBES: Skin Deep

In theory, the medicines could affect the immune system, because a receptor on immune cells is very similar to DPP-4.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Existing diabetes drugs, such as Actos from Eli Lilly (nyse: LLY - news - people ) and Avandia from GlaxoSmithkline (nyse: GSX - news - people ), resensitize the body to insulin by turning on the PPAR gamma receptor.

FORBES: Silencing "Syndrome X"

The public has mostly focused on Erbitux's ability to slow tumor growth by blocking epidermal growth factor receptor, a key growth-promoting protein that is overabundant in many cancer cells.

FORBES: Bristol, ImClone File On Erbitux