5-HT7 Receptors: New Horizons in the Therapy of Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases

The 5-HT7 receptor, one of the most recently discovered members of the serotonin receptor family, plays a pivotal role in regulating central nervous system processes. Over the past three decades, substantial research has provided insights into its gene, expression patterns, molecular structure, and pharmacological properties. The 5-HT7 receptor is involved in thermoregulation, sleep, circadian rhythms, and mood regulation, attracting increasing attention as a promising target for the treatment of depressive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In this review, based on a systematic analysis of publications from 1993-2024, with a predominant focus on studies from the last decade in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, we provide an in-depth discussion of the functional characteristics of the 5-HT7 receptor, its pharmacological profile, and current hypothetical models and molecular interactions that enhance our understanding of its unique role in neurophysiological regulation. Special attention is given to the therapeutic potential of the 5-HT7 receptor in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.