[2] Integrin αVβ3 is a potential drug target because abnormal expression of v3 is linked to the development and progression of various diseases.
Its role in angiogenesis, in cancer and other diseases, is linked to the blood supply for problematic overgrowths.
[4] One novel protein (ProAgio) has been designed to bind at an unusual site, and then induces apoptosis by recruiting caspase 8.
[3] It is designed by mutating domain 1 of CD2 (D1-CD2), which naturally binds weakly to the receptor.
A high-affinity, pure antagonist mutant has been discovered for this protein.