Selective Targeting of Integrin αvβ8 by a Highly Active Cyclic Peptide

Integrins play important roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes. Among the RGD-recognizing integrin subtypes, the αvβ8 receptor is emerging as an attractive target due to its involvement in various illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases, viral infections and cancer. However, its functions have, so far, not been investigated in living subjects, mainly because of the lack of a selective αvβ8 ligand. Here we report the design and potential medical application of a cyclic octapeptide as the first highly selective small-molecule ligand for αvβ8. Remarkably, this compound displays low nanomolar αvβ8 binding affinity and a strong discriminating power of at least two orders of magnitude versus other RGD-recognizing integrins. Peptide functionalization with fluorescent or radioactive labels enables the selective imaging of αvβ8-positive cells and tissues. This new probe will pave the way for detailed characterization of the distinct (patho)physiological role of this relatively unexplored integrin, providing a basis to fully exploit the potential of αvβ8 as a target for molecular diagnostics and personalized therapy regimens.