ABSTRACT
Selective activation or inhibition of the angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor can cause vasodilation, decrease cell proliferation, promote neurite outgrowth and block neuronal excitability. The AT2 receptor can be used as a potential drug target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, fibrosis, inflammation, neuronal diseases and tumors. Research and development of new drugs that selectively act on the AT2 receptor and the mechanism of intracellular signal transduction involving the AT2 receptor is a challenging but worthy endeavor. We review research progress on the AT2 receptor and compounds that act on the AT2 receptor, along with structure-activity relationship analysis, to provide reference and guidance for further research in this field.