To cite this article: Cattaneo M. P2Y 12 receptors: structure and function. J Thromb Haemost 2015; 13 (Suppl. 1): S10-S6.Summary. The platelet P2Y 12 receptor (P2Y 12 R) for adenosine 5 0 diphosphate (ADP) plays a central role in platelet function, hemostasis, and thrombosis. Patients with inherited P2Y 12 R defects display mild-to-moderate bleeding diatheses. Defects of P2Y 12 R should be suspected when ADP, even at high concentrations (≥ 10 lM), is unable to induce full, irreversible platelet aggregation. P2Y 12 R also plays a role in inflammation: its role in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma has been well characterized. In addition, inhibition or genetic deficiency of P2Y 12 R has antitumor effects. Drugs inhibiting P2Y 12 R are potent antithrombotic drugs. Clopidogrel is the P2Y 12 R antagonist that is most widely used in the clinical setting. Its most important drawback is its inability to inhibit adequately P2Y 12 R-dependent platelet function in about onethird of patients. New drugs, such as prasugrel and ticagrelor, which effectively inhibit P2Y 12 R in the vast majority of patients, have proved to be more efficacious than clopdidogrel in preventing major adverse cardiovascular events.