An old tree with fresh blooms: role of aryl hydrocarbon receptors in the toxicity of environmental chemicals

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as an important environmental chemical sensor has received long-term attention, but most research focuses on the regulation of metabolizing enzymes in response to exogenous chemicals. Recently, AhR has been found to be activated by endogenous ligands under physiological conditions, and interact with a large number of signal pathways to mediate a variety of life activities. Environmental chemicals may also cause diseases by interfering with the physiological function of AhR. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of AhR-mediated environmental chemical toxicity.