Drug targets are specific molecules or proteins within the body that are targeted by medications to produce a therapeutic effect. These targets can be receptors, enzymes, ion channels, or other components of cells that play a key role in disease processes. Identifying and understanding drug targets is crucial in the development of new pharmaceutical treatments for various diseases, as targeting these specific molecules allows for more precise and effective therapies with fewer side effects. Researchers in this field study the molecular mechanisms of drug targets, their interactions with medications, and how they contribute to disease pathology, in order to develop new drugs that can effectively modulate these targets and improve patient outcomes.