NK2 Receptor Agonists Small Molecules and Peptides

The neurokinin 2 (NK₂) receptor is a member of the tachykinin family of G-protein-coupled receptors which also includes NK₁ and NK₃ receptors. The NK₂ receptor is predominantly expressed in the periphery (inflammatory cells and bronchial, gastrointestinal and urinary smooth muscle) with limited expression in the CNS.

NK₂ receptors are thought to mediate mood control, gastrointestinal contraction and airway and lung function. The receptor displays greater potency for the endogenous agonist neurokinin A than neurokinin B and substance P (NKA > NKB > SP). The human gene encoding the NK₂ receptor has been localized on chromosome 10 (10pter-q23).