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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

A Flow Cytometry-Based High-Throughput Technique for Screening Integrin-Inhibitory Drugs
Published on: February 2, 2024
Integrins as therapeutic targets: lessons and opportunities
Dermot Cox1, Marian Brennan, Niamh Moran
1Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland. dcox@rcsi.ie
Abstract:
The integrins are a large family of cell adhesion molecules that are essential for the regulation of cell growth and function. The identification of key roles for integrins in a diverse range of diseases, including cancer, infection, thrombosis and autoimmune disorders, has revealed their substantial potential as therapeutic targets. However, so far, pharmacological inhibitors for only three integrins have received marketing approval. This article discusses the structure and function of integrins, their roles in disease and the chequered history of the approved integrin antagonists. Recent advances in the understanding of integrin function, ligand interaction and signalling pathways suggest novel strategies for inhibiting integrin function that could help harness their full potential as therapeutic targets.
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