CoAgonist
A coagonist is a ligand that binds to a receptor at a site distinct from the primary agonist binding site and modulates receptor activation. In many systems, a coagonist is required in addition to the main agonist to achieve full receptor activation, or it enhances the receptor’s response.
The best-known example is the NMDA-type glutamate receptor. For activation, glutamate binding to the NR2 subunit
Coagonist action is not limited to NMDA receptors. Other receptors may similarly require or be modulated by
Clinical relevance includes the idea that altering coagonist availability or affinity can modify receptor activity in