The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) belongs to the essential helix-loop-helix transcription factors family. This receptor has a central role in determining host physiology and a variety of pathophysiologies ranging from inflammation and metabolism to cancer. AhR is a ligand-driven receptor with intricate pharmacology of activation depending on the type and quantity of ligand present. Therefore, a better understanding of AhR ligands per se is critical to move the field forward. In this minireview, we clarify some facts and myths about AhR ligands and how further studies could shed light on the true nature of AhR activation by these ligands. The review covers select chemical classes and explores parameters that qualify them as true receptor ligands.

Department of Cell Biology and Genetics Faculty of Science Palacký University Šlechtitelů 27 783 71 Olomouc Czech Republic

Department of Genetics and Department of Medicine Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx NY 10461 USA

Citace poskytuje Crossref.org