HealthAugust 4, 2026

ligand

LY-gund

Definition

A molecule that binds to another specific molecule, such as a protein, to form a complex and trigger a biological response.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'ligare,' meaning 'to bind.' It entered scientific terminology in the 20th century to describe molecules that connect to larger biological structures.

In the news

The article discusses the PD-L1 ligand, which is a protein that acts as an 'inhibitory checkpoint' to suppress immune activity; the drug works by blocking this ligand to restore immune function.

Phase 1 Trial Validates Anti-PD-L1 Antibody for Alzheimer’s

Read the full article ↗

Neuroscience News

Related words

anaphylaxis

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after…

Health

astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells in the brain that provide physical and metabolic support to…

Health

azetukalner

An investigational pharmaceutical agent currently being studied as a potassium channel…

Health

biodistribution

The process by which a drug or substance is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and…

Health

bioequivalence

The property of two drug products that show comparable rates and extents of absorption…

Health

caries

The technical medical term for dental decay or cavities; the progressive destruction of…

Health

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.