Assessment of a pro-healing stent in an animal model of early neoatherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Neoatherosclerosis represents an accelerated manifestation of atherosclerosis in nascent neointima after stenting, associated with adverse events. We investigated whether improved reendothelialization using RGD-coated stents results in diminished vascular permeability and reduced foam cell formation compared to standard DES in atherosclerotic rabbits. METHODS AND RESULTS: Neointimal foam cell formation was induced in rabbits (n = 7). Enhanced endothelial integrity in RGD-coated stents resulted in decreased vascular permeability relative to DES, which was further confirmed by SEM and TEM. Cell culture experiments examined the effect of everolimus on endothelial integrity. Increasing concentrations of everolimus resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of endothelial cell junctions and foam cell transformation of monocytes, confirming the relevance of endothelial integrity in preventing permeability of LDL. CONCLUSION: Incomplete endothelial integrity was confirmed as a key factor of neointimal foam cell formation following stent implantation. Pro-healing stent coatings may facilitate reendothelialization and reduce the risk of neoatherosclerosis.

Recruitment of ανß3 integrin to α5ß1 integrin-induced clusters enables focal adhesion maturation and cell spreading.

The major fibronectin (FN)-binding α5ß1 and αvß3 integrins exhibit cooperativity during cell adhesion, migration and mechanosensing, through mechanisms that are not yet fully resolved. Exploiting mechanically tunable nano-patterned substrates, and peptidomimetic ligands designed to selectively bind corresponding integrins, we report that focal adhesions (FAs) of endothelial cells assembled on α5ß1 integrin-selective substrates rapidly recruit αvß3 integrins, but not vice versa. Blocking of αvß3 integrin hindered FA maturation and cell spreading on α5ß1 integrin-selective substrates, indicating a mechanism dependent on extracellular ligand binding and highlighting the requirement of αvß3 integrin engagement for efficient adhesion. Recruitment of αvß3 integrins additionally occurred on hydrogel substrates of varying mechanical properties, above a threshold stiffness that supports FA formation. Mechanistic studies revealed the need for soluble factors present in serum to allow recruitment, and excluded exogenous, or endogenous, FN as the ligand responsible for αvß3 integrin accumulation to adhesion clusters. Our findings highlight a novel mechanism of integrin cooperation and a critical role for αvß3 integrins in promoting cell adhesion on α5ß1 integrin-selective substrates.

Towards the cell-instructive bactericidal substrate: exploring the combination of nanotopographical features and integrin selective synthetic ligands.

Engineering the interface between biomaterials and tissues is important to increase implant lifetime and avoid failures and revision surgeries. Permanent devices should enhance attachment and differentiation of stem cells, responsible for injured tissue repair, and simultaneously discourage bacterial colonization; this represents a major challenge. To take first steps towards such a multifunctional surface we propose merging topographical and biochemical cues on the surface of a clinically relevant material such as titanium. In detail, our strategy combines antibacterial nanotopographical features with integrin selective synthetic ligands that can rescue the adhesive capacity of the surfaces and instruct mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) response. To this end, a smooth substrate and two different high aspect ratio topographies have been produced and coated either with an αvß3-selective peptidomimetic, an α5ß1-selective peptidomimetic, or an RGD/PHSRN peptidic molecule. Results showed that antibacterial effects of the substrates could be maintained when tested on pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further, functionalization increased MSC adhesion to the surfaces and the αvß3-selective peptidomimetic-coated nanotopographies promoted osteogenesis. Such a dual physicochemical approach to achieve multifunctional surfaces represents a first step in the design of novel cell-instructive biomaterial surfaces.

Overcoming the Lack of Oral Availability of Cyclic Hexapeptides: Design of a Selective and Orally Available Ligand for the Integrin†αvß3.

A highly systematic approach for the development of both orally bioavailable and bioactive cyclic N-methylated hexapeptides as high affinity ligands for the integrin αvß3 is based on two concepts: a) screening of systematically designed libraries with spatial diversity and b) masking of the peptide charge with a lipophilic protecting group. The key steps of the method are 1) initial design of a combinatorial library of N-methylated analogues of the stem peptide cyclo(d-Ala-Ala5 ); 2) selection of cyclic peptides with the highest intestinal permeability; 3) design of sublibraries with the bioactive RGD sequence in all possible positions; 4) selection of the best ligands for RGD-recognizing integrin subtypes; 5) fine-tuning of the affinity and selectivity by additional Ala to Xaa substitutions; 6) protection of the charged functional groups according to the prodrug concept to regain intestinal and oral permeability; 7) proof of biological effects in mice after oral administration.

Structural Insights into Selective Ligand-Receptor Interactions Leading to Receptor Inactivation Utilizing Selective Melanocortin 3 Receptor Antagonists.

Systematic N-methylated derivatives of the melanocortin receptor ligand, SHU9119, lead to multiple binding and functional selectivity toward melanocortin receptors. However, the relationship between N-methylation-induced conformational changes in the peptide backbone and side chains and melanocortin receptor selectivity is still unknown. We conducted comprehensive conformational studies in solution of two selective antagonists of the third isoform of the melanocortin receptor (hMC3R), namely, Ac-Nle-c[Asp-NMe-His6-d-Nal(2')7-NMe-Arg8-Trp9-Lys]-NH2 (15) and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His6-d-Nal(2')7-NMe-Arg8-NMe-Trp9-NMe-Lys]-NH2 (17). It is known that the pharmacophore (His6-DNal7-Arg8-Trp9) of the SHU-9119 peptides occupies a ß II-turn-like region with the turn centered about DNal7-Arg8. The analogues with hMC3R selectivity showed distinct differences in the spatial arrangement of the Trp9 side chains. In addition to our NMR studies, we also carried out molecular-level interaction studies of these two peptides at the homology model of hMC3R. Earlier chimeric human melanocortin 3 receptor studies revealed insights regarding the binding and functional sites of hMC3R selectivity. Upon docking of peptides 15 and 17 to the binding pocket of hMC3R, it was revealed that Arg8 and Trp9 side chains are involved in a majority of the interactions with the receptor. While Arg8 forms polar contacts with D154 and D158 of hMC3R, Trp9 utilizes π-π stacking interactions with F295 and F298, located on the transmembrane domain of hMC3R. It is hypothesized that as the frequency of Trp9-hMC3R interactions decrease, antagonistic activity increases. The absence of any interactions of the N-methyl groups with hMC3R suggests that their primary function is to modulate backbone conformations of the ligands.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Activity and Selectivity Profile of Ligands for RGD-binding Integrins.

Integrins, a diverse class of heterodimeric cell surface receptors, are key regulators of cell structure and behaviour, affecting cell morphology, proliferation, survival and differentiation. Consequently, mutations in specific integrins, or their deregulated expression, are associated with a variety of diseases. In the last decades, many integrin-specific ligands have been developed and used for modulation of integrin function in medical as well as biophysical studies. The IC50-values reported for these ligands strongly vary and are measured using different cell-based and cell-free systems. A systematic comparison of these values is of high importance for selecting the optimal ligands for given applications. In this study, we evaluate a wide range of ligands for their binding affinity towards the RGD-binding integrins αvß3, αvß5, αvß6, αvß8, α5ß1, αIIbß3, using homogenous ELISA-like solid phase binding assay.

αvß3- or α5ß1-Integrin-Selective Peptidomimetics for Surface Coating.

Engineering biomaterials with integrin-binding activity is a very powerful approach to promote cell adhesion, modulate cell behavior, and induce specific biological responses at the surface level. The aim of this Review is to illustrate the evolution of surface-coating molecules in this field: from peptides and proteins with relatively low integrin-binding activity and receptor selectivity to highly active and selective peptidomimetic ligands. In particular, we will bring into focus the difficult challenge of achieving selectivity between the two closely related integrin subtypes αvß3 and α5ß1. The functionalization of surfaces with such peptidomimetics opens the way for a new generation of highly specific cell-instructive surfaces to dissect the biological role of integrin subtypes and for application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Selective binding and lateral clustering of α5ß1 and αvß3 integrins: Unraveling the spatial requirements for cell spreading and focal adhesion assembly.

Coordination of the specific functions of α5ß1 and αvß3 integrins is crucial for the precise regulation of cell adhesion, spreading and migration, yet the contribution of differential integrin-specific crosstalk to these processes remains unclear. To determine the specific functions of αvß3 and α5ß1 integrins, we used nanoarrays of gold particles presenting immobilized, integrin-selective peptidomimetic ligands. Integrin binding to the peptidomimetics is highly selective, and cells can spread on both ligands. However, spreading is faster and the projected cell area is greater on α5ß1 ligand; both depend on ligand spacing. Quantitative analysis of adhesion plaques shows that focal adhesion size is increased in cells adhering to αvß3 ligand at 30 and 60 nm spacings. Analysis of αvß3 and α5ß1 integrin clusters indicates that fibrillar adhesions are more prominent in cells adhering to α5ß1 ligand, while clusters are mostly localized at the cell margins in cells adhering to αvß3 ligand. αvß3 integrin clusters are more pronounced on αvß3 ligand, though they can also be detected in cells adhering to α5ß1 ligand. Furthermore, α5ß1 integrin clusters are present in cells adhering to α5ß1 ligand, and often colocalize with αvß3 clusters. Taken together, these findings indicate that the activation of αvß3 integrin by ligand binding is dispensable for initial adhesion and spreading, but essential to formation of stable focal adhesions.

Substrate engagement of integrins α5ß1 and αvß3 is necessary, but not sufficient, for high directional persistence in migration on fibronectin.

The interplay between specific integrin-mediated matrix adhesion and directional persistence in cell migration is not well understood. Here, we characterized fibroblast adhesion and migration on the extracellular matrix glycoproteins fibronectin and vitronectin, focusing on the role of α5ß1 and αvß3 integrins. Fibroblasts manifested high directional persistence in migration on fibronectin-, but not vitronectin-coated substrates, in a ligand density-dependent manner. Fibronectin stimulated α5ß1-dependent organization of the actin cytoskeleton into oriented, ventral stress fibers, and assembly of dynamic, polarized protrusions, characterized as regions free of stress fibers and rich in nascent adhesions at their edge. Such protrusions correlated with persistent, local leading edge advancement, but were not sufficient, nor necessary for directional migration over longer times. Selective blocking of αvß3 or α5ß1 integrins using small molecule integrin antagonists reduced directional persistence on fibronectin, indicating integrin cooperativity in maintaining directionality. On the other hand, patterned substrates, designed to selectively engage either integrin, or their combination, were not sufficient to establish directional migration. Overall, our study demonstrates adhesive coating-dependent regulation of directional persistence in fibroblast migration and challenges the generality of the previously suggested role of ß1 and ß3 integrins in directional migration.

Complementary, Selective PET Imaging of Integrin Subtypes α5ß1 and αvß3 Using 68Ga-Aquibeprin and 68Ga-Avebetrin.

UNLABELLED: Despite in vivo mapping of integrin αvß3 expression being thoroughly investigated in recent years, its clinical value is still not well defined. For imaging of angiogenesis, the integrin subtype α5ß1 appears to be a promising target, for which purpose we designed the PET radiopharmaceutical (68)Ga-aquibeprin. METHODS: (68)Ga-aquibeprin was obtained by click-chemistry (CuAAC) trimerization of a α5ß1 integrin-binding pseudopeptide on the triazacyclononane-triphosphinate (TRAP) chelator, followed by automated (68)Ga labeling. Integrin α5ß1 and αvß3 affinities were determined in enzyme linked immune sorbent assay on immobilized integrins, using fibronectin and vitronectin, respectively, as competitors. M21 (human melanoma)-bearing severe combined immunodeficient mice were used for biodistribution, PET imaging, and determination of in vivo metabolization. The expression of α5 and ß3 subunits was determined by immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections of M21 tumors. RESULTS: (68)Ga-aquibeprin shows high selectivity for integrin α5ß1 (50% inhibition concentration [IC50] = 0.088 nM) over αvß3 (IC50 = 620 nM) and a pronounced hydrophilicity (log D = -4.2). Severe combined immunodeficient mice xenografted with M21 human melanoma were found suitable for in vivo evaluation, as M21 immunohistochemistry showed not only an endothelial and strong cytoplasmatic expression of the ß3 integrin subunit but also an intense expression of the α5 integrin subunit particularly in the endothelial cells of intratumoral small vessels. Ex vivo biodistribution (90 min after injection) showed high uptake in M21 tumor (2.42 ± 0.21 percentage injected dose per gram), fast renal excretion, and low background; tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios were 10.6 ± 2.5 and 20.9 ± 2.4, respectively. (68)Ga-aquibeprin is stable in vivo; no metabolites were detected in mouse urine, blood serum, kidney, and liver homogenates 30 min after injection. PET imaging was performed for (68)Ga-aquibeprin and the previously described, structurally related c(RGDfK) trimer (68)Ga-avebetrin, which shows an inverse selectivity for integrin αvß3 (IC50 = 0.22 nM) over α5ß1 (IC50 = 39 nM). In vivo target specificity was proven by cross-competition studies; tumor uptake of either tracer was not affected by the coadministration of 40 nmol (∼5 mg/kg) of the respective other compound. CONCLUSION: (68)Ga-aquibeprin and (68)Ga-avebetrin are recommendable for complementary mapping of integrins α5ß1 and αvß3 by PET, allowing for future studies on the role of these integrins in angiogenesis, tumor progression, metastasis, and myocardial infarct healing.

In vivo biokinetic and metabolic characterization of the 68Ga-labelled α5ß1-selective peptidomimetic FR366.

PURPOSE: Integrins are transmembrane receptors responsible for cell-cell adhesion and cell-extracellular matrix binding and play an important role in angiogenesis and tumour metastasis. For this reason, integrins are increasingly used as targets for molecular imaging. Up to now interest has mostly been focused on the integrin subtype αvß3. However, targeting of other subtypes such as the integrin α5ß1 is also of high interest due to its central role in colonization of metastatic cells, resistance of tumour cells to chemotherapy and ionizing radiation, and tumour aggressiveness. Recently, a highly active antagonist ligand (2,2'-(7-(1-carboxy-4-((6-((3-(4-(((S)-1-carboxy-2-(2-(3-guanidinobenzamido)acetamido)ethyl)carbamoyl)-3,5-dimethylphenoxy)propyl)amino)-6-oxohexyl)amino)-4-oxobutyl)-1,4,7-triazonane-1,4-diyl)diacetic acid, FR366) for the integrin subtype α5ß1 with high selectivity versus αvß3, has been developed and tested successfully in preliminary in vitro and in vivo experiments. Here, we present our results of an investigation of the use of (68)Ga-labelled α5ß1 ligand in PET imaging. METHODS: The free α5ß1 peptidomimetic ligand was functionalized with a spacer (6-aminohexanoic acid) and the bifunctional chelator 1-((1,3-dicarboxy)propyl)-4,7-(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (NODAGA) to yield FR366 and labelled with (68)Ga. To confirm selective in vivo targeting of α5ß1, female BALB/c nude mice xenografted with α5ß1-expressing RKO cells in the right shoulder and α5ß1/αvß3-expressing M21 cells in the left shoulder were subjected to PET/CT scans and biodistribution experiments. Specificity of tracer uptake was proven by blocking studies. Metabolic stability of the injected tracer was measured in urine and in plasma. RESULTS: MicroPET/CT scans with radiolabelled FR366 showed a good tumour-to-normal tissue ratio with low uptake in the liver (0.32 ± 0.14 %ID/g) and good retention of (68)Ga-NODAGA-FR366 in the tumour (0.71 ± 0.20 %ID/g and 0.40 ± 0.12 %ID/g for RKO and M21 tumours, respectively, at 90 min after injection). Biodistribution experiments showed uptake in the α5ß1-expressing RKO tumour of 1.05 ± 0.23 %ID/g at 90 min after injection. Specificity of tracer uptake was demonstrated by injection of 5 mg/kg unlabelled ligand 10 min prior to tracer injection, resulting in a 67 % reduction in uptake in the RKO tumour. The tracer was found to be metabolically stable in urine and plasma 30 min after injection. CONCLUSION: Our results show that PET imaging of α5ß1 expression with the (68)Ga-labelled α5ß1-specific ligand is feasible with good image quality. Thus, FR366 is a promising new tool for investigating the role of α5ß1 in angiogenesis and the influence of this integrin subtype on cancer aggressiveness and metastatic potential.

Systematic Backbone Conformational Constraints on a Cyclic Melanotropin Ligand Leads to Highly Selective Ligands for Multiple Melanocortin Receptors.

Human melanocortin receptors (hMCRs) have been challenging targets to develop ligands that are explicitly selective for each of their subtypes. To modulate the conformational preferences of the melanocortin ligands and improve the biofunctional agonist/antagonist activities and selectivities, we have applied a backbone N-methylation approach on Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Nal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (Ac-Nle(4)-c[Asp(5),D-Nal(2')(7),Lys(10)]-NH2), a nonselective cyclic peptide antagonist at hMC3R and hMC4R and an agonist at hMC1R and hMC5R. Systematic N-methylated derivatives of Ac-Nle(4)-c[Asp(5),D-Nal(2')(7),Lys(10)]-NH2, with all possible backbone N-methylation combinations, have been synthesized and examined for their binding and functional activities toward melanocortin receptor subtypes 1, 3, 4, and 5 (hMCRs). Several N-methylated analogues are selective and potent agonists or antagonists for hMC1R or hMC5R or have selective antagonist activity for hMC3R. The selective hMC1R ligands show strong binding for human melanoma cells. We have also discovered the first universal antagonist (compound 19) for all subtypes of hMCRs.

Segregation versus colocalization: orthogonally functionalized binary micropatterned substrates regulate the molecular distribution in focal adhesions.

Orthogonally functionalized binary micropatterned substrates are produced using a novel protocol. The use of adequate peptido-mimetics enables an unprecedented segregation of purified αvß3 and α5ß1 integrins in adjacent microislands and evidences the preference of U2OS cells to colocalize such receptors. Moreover, this tendency can be altered by varying the geometry and composition of the micropatterns.

Mimicking bone extracellular matrix: integrin-binding peptidomimetics enhance osteoblast-like cells adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on titanium.

Interaction between the surface of implants and biological tissues is a key aspect of biomaterials research. Apart from fulfilling the non-toxicity and structural requirements, synthetic materials are asked to direct cell response, offering engineered cues that provide specific instructions to cells. This work explores the functionalization of titanium with integrin-binding peptidomimetics as a novel and powerful strategy to improve the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells to implant materials. Such biomimetic strategy aims at targeting integrins αvß3 and α5ß1, which are highly expressed on osteoblasts and are essential for many fundamental functions in bone tissue development. The successful grafting of the bioactive molecules on titanium is proven by contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fluorescent labeling. Early attachment and spreading of cells are statistically enhanced by both peptidomimetics compared to unmodified titanium, reaching values of cell adhesion comparable to those obtained with full-length extracellular matrix proteins. Moreover, an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, and statistically higher cell proliferation and mineralization are observed on surfaces coated with the peptidomimetics. This study shows an unprecedented biological activity for low-molecular-weight ligands on titanium, and gives striking evidence of the potential of these molecules to foster bone regeneration on implant materials.

Single cell tracking assay reveals an opposite effect of selective small non-peptidic α5ß1 or αvß3/ß5 integrin antagonists in U87MG glioma cells.

BACKGROUND: Integrins are extracellular matrix receptors involved in several pathologies. Despite homologies between the RGD-binding α5ß1 and αvß3 integrins, selective small antagonists for each heterodimer have been proposed. Herein, we evaluated the effects of such small antagonists in a cellular context, the U87MG cell line, which express both integrins. The aim of the study was to determine if fibronectin-binding integrin antagonists are able to impact on cell adhesion and migration in relationships with their defined affinity and selectivity for α5ß1 and αvß3/ß5 purified integrins. METHODS: Small antagonists were either selective for α5ß1 integrin, for αvß3/ß5 integrin or non-selective. U87MG cell adhesion was evaluated on fibronectin or vitronectin. Migration assays included wound healing recovery and single cell tracking experiments. U87MG cells stably manipulated for the expression of α5 integrin subunit were used to explore the impact of α5ß1 integrin in the biological assays. RESULTS: U87MG cell adhesion on fibronectin or vitronectin was respectively dependent on α5ß1 or αvß3/ß5 integrin. Wound healing migration was dependent on both integrins. However U87MG single cell migration was highly dependent on α5ß1 integrin and was inhibited selectively by α5ß1 integrin antagonists but increased by αvß3/ß5 integrin antagonists. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a rationale for testing new integrin ligands in a cell-based assay to characterize more directly their potential inhibitory effects on integrin cellular functions. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our data highlight a single cell tracking assay as a powerful cell-based test which may help to characterize true functional integrin antagonists that block α5ß1 integrin-dependent cell migration.

The integrin ligand c(RGDf(NMe)Nal) reduces neointimal hyperplasia in a polymer-free drug-eluting stent system.

The use of highly active and selective integrin ligands in combination with stent implantation is emerging as a promising alternative to the release of classical immunosuppressive drugs by current drug-eluting stents (DES), which has been associated with delayed vascular healing and late stent thrombosis. Herein we present the development and biological evaluation of the integrin ligand c(RGDf(NMe)Nal) as a potent anti-proliferative molecule that targets coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMCs). This peptide showed an antagonistic activity for αvß3 and αvß5 in the low-nanomolar range, and selectivity against the platelet receptor αIIbß3. In vitro, it efficiently inhibited the proliferation of CASMCs, displaying higher potency than the anti-tumor drug candidate cilengitide. This peptide was then loaded into a polymer-free bare metal stent (BMS), and its release studied at different time points. Up to seven days of elution, the peptide-coated stents retained high anti-proliferative activity toward CASMCs. Finally, the peptide was examined in vivo in a polymer-free DES system in a rabbit iliac artery model. After 28 days of implantation, histopathological analysis revealed that the peptide clearly decreased neointimal growth and improved vessel healing and re-endothelialization compared with the FDA-approved Cypher DES. Our study shows that this type of lipophilic integrin ligand, when eluted from a polymer-free stent system, has the potential to successfully decrease in-stent restenosis in the absence of delayed vascular healing.

Pharmacophoric modifications lead to superpotent αvß3 integrin ligands with suppressed α5ß1 activity.

The selective targeting of the αvß3 integrin subtype without affecting the structurally closely related receptor α5ß1 is crucial for understanding the details of their biological and pathological functions and thus of great relevance for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment. Here, we present the synthesis of highly active RGD peptidomimetics for the αvß3 integrin with remarkable selectivity against α5ß1. Incorporation of a methoxypyridine building block into a ligand scaffold and variation of different functional moieties led to αvß3-antagonistic activities in the low nanomolar or even subnanomolar range. Furthermore, docking studies were performed to give insights into the binding modes of the novel compounds. The presented library comprises powerful ligands for specific addressing and blocking of the αvß3 integrin subtype, thereby representing privileged tools for integrin-based personalized medicine.

Interface Immobilization Chemistry of cRGD-based Peptides Regulates Integrin Mediated Cell Adhesion.

The interaction of specific surface receptors of the integrin family with different extracellular matrix-based ligands is of utmost importance for the cellular adhesion process. A ligand consists of an integrin-binding group, here cyclic RGDfX, a spacer molecule that lifts the integrin-binding group from the surface and a surface anchoring group. c(-RGDfX-) peptides are bound to gold nanoparticle structured surfaces via polyproline, polyethylene glycol or aminohexanoic acid containing spacers of different lengths. Although keeping the integrin-binding c(-RGDfX-) peptides constant for all compounds, changes of the ligand's spacer chemistry and length reveal significant differences in cell adhesion activation and focal adhesion formation. Polyproline-based peptides demonstrate improved cell adhesion kinetics and focal adhesion formation compared with common aminohexanoic acid or polyethylene glycol spacers. Binding activity can additionally be improved by applying ligands with two head groups, inducing a multimeric effect. This study gives insights into spacer-based differences in integrin-driven cell adhesion processes and remarkably highlights the polyproline-based spacers as suitable ligand-presenting templates for surface functionalization.

Selective imaging of the angiogenic relevant integrins α5ß1 and αvß3.

Pattern seekers: For the two angiogenic relevant integrins α5ß1 and αvß3, functionalized derivatives of the selective antagonists 1 and 2 could target and discriminate between tumor cells in vivo based on their different integrin patterns and also delay tumor growth in vivo. In addition, the first α5ß1-selective integrin antagonist that enables specific molecular imaging by positron emission tomography was developed.

Tumor Targeting via Integrin Ligands.

Selective and targeted delivery of drugs to tumors is a major challenge for an effective cancer therapy and also to overcome the side-effects associated with current treatments. Overexpression of various receptors on tumor cells is a characteristic structural and biochemical aspect of tumors and distinguishes them from physiologically normal cells. This abnormal feature is therefore suitable for selectively directing anticancer molecules to tumors by using ligands that can preferentially recognize such receptors. Several subtypes of integrin receptors that are crucial for cell adhesion, cell signaling, cell viability, and motility have been shown to have an upregulated expression on cancer cells. Thus, ligands that recognize specific integrin subtypes represent excellent candidates to be conjugated to drugs or drug carrier systems and be targeted to tumors. In this regard, integrins recognizing the RGD cell adhesive sequence have been extensively targeted for tumor-specific drug delivery. Here we review key recent examples on the presentation of RGD-based integrin ligands by means of distinct drug-delivery systems, and discuss the prospects of such therapies to specifically target tumor cells.