Mechanism of Action
The specific biochemical process through which a drug produces its therapeutic effect, typically involving binding to a receptor, enzyme, or other biological target. Understanding a peptide's mechanism of action is essential for predicting its effects, side effects, and potential drug interactions.
Technical Context
Peptide drug mechanisms include: receptor agonism (GLP-1 RAs stimulate insulin release via GLP-1R; GnRH agonists initially stimulate then downregulate GnRH-R), receptor antagonism (GnRH antagonists block GnRH-R; icatibant blocks bradykinin B2R), enzyme inhibition (bortezomib inhibits the 20S proteasome; ACE inhibitors block angiotensin-converting enzyme), hormone replacement (somatropin replaces deficient GH; desmopressin replaces deficient vasopressin), antimicrobial membrane disruption (daptomycin, colistin disrupt bacterial membranes; vancomycin inhibits cell wall synthesis), and complement inhibition (zilucoplan blocks C5 cleavage). The mechanism of action determines the drug's effects, side effects, contraindications, and potential drug interactions.