Linear and Cyclic Peptides for Integrin αvβ6 Inhibition

The integrin αvβ6 is a member of a family of non-covalent heterodimeric cell adhesion receptors, which take part in processes including cell adhesion and migration. It is known to bind to the natural ligands fibronectin and tenascin, and is predominantly found on epithelial cells [1]. Its expression was found upregulated in wound healing and inflammation [2], Involvement of this integrin in development and metastasis of tumors from epithelial origin has been suggested [3], Recently, peptides containing the motive XXDLXXLX were published to bind to integrin αvβ6 [4]. Here, a more detailed pharmacophore definition and first steps of optimisation are reported.