Decoy receptors

A decoy receptor is a receptor that is able to recognize and bind specific growth factors or cytokines efficiently, but is not structurally able to signal or activate the intended receptor complex. It acts as an inhibitor, binding a ligand and keeping it from binding to its regular receptor. Decoy receptors participate in a common methods of signal inhibition and are also abundant in malignant tissues, making up a significant topic in cancer research.[1]

Decoy receptors/ bind to ligands and inhibit signaling through actual receptors.
  1. ^ "Decoy Receptor". Encyclopedia of Cancer. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. 2012. p. 1070. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-16483-5_6693. ISBN 978-3-642-16482-8.