spare receptor

synonym: receptor reserve
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.12728
Residual binding site still available to an endogenous ligand after sufficient sites have already been filled to elicit the maximal response possible for that particular biological system.
Note: Xenobiotics such as drugs may similarly interact with such receptors, but by definition, their identification and quantification occurs via use of the natural ligand.
Source:
PAC, 2013, 85, 1725. (Glossary of terms used in medicinal chemistry. Part II (IUPAC Recommendations 2013)) on page 1751 [Terms] [Paper]