Non peptidic alphavbeta3 antagonists: recent developments.

The alphavbeta3 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 alphavbeta3 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 alphavbeta3 receptors, due to their involvement in important pathophysiological functions. In fact, selective alphavbeta3 antagonists offer new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of several human pathologies like osteoporosis, restenosis and diseases involving neovascularization such as rheumatoid arthritis, tumor induced angiogenesis and metastasis. Purpose of this account is to summarize the recent developments in the field of non-peptidic alphavbetav antagonists.