Non peptidic alpha(V)beta(3) antagonists: Recent developments

The alpha(v)beta(3) receptor, which are members of the group of the cellular adhesion molecules (CAM), are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoprotein receptors involved in Processes Such as cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, cell migration and signaling. Integrin alpha(v)beta(3) receptor is expressed on almost all cells originating from the mesenchyme and seem to mediate several biological processes, including adhesion of osteoblasts to the bone matrix, migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and angiogenesis. Many efforts were done in the last 10 years to individuate inhibitors for alpha(v)beta(3) receptors, due to their involvement in important pathophysiological functions. In fact, selective alpha(v)beta(3) antagonists offer new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of several human pathologies like osteoporosis, restenosis and diseases involving neovascularization such as rheurnatoid arthritis, turnor induced angiogenesis and nietastasis. Purpose of this account is to summarize the recent developinents in the field of non-peptidic alpha(v)beta(3) antagonists.