Inhibitors are substances that can block or reduce the activity of enzymes, proteins, or other molecules in biological systems. They are commonly used in research to study the function of specific pathways or molecules, and can also be used as potential therapeutic agents for diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Inhibitors can work by binding to the active site of an enzyme, preventing it from interacting with its substrate, or by altering the structure or function of a protein. There are many different types of inhibitors, including competitive, non-competitive, reversible, and irreversible inhibitors, each with their own mechanisms of action.