Abstract

Integrins are heterodimeric, transmembrane receptors that function in cell adhesion and signalling. They are central to many disease states, including cancer, thrombosis, multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. Integrin targeted therapeutics have been under investigation for some time, but few compounds have made it to/ remained on the market due to side effects or lack of efficacy. Given the more recent structural insights, better understanding of downstream pathways, and potential application to a range of therapeutic areas, there has been a resurgence of interest in integrin inhibitors. This symposium will bring together researchers in this area to provide both a historical overview of the area and recent progress in designing the next generation of integrin inhibitors.