Molecular imaging of αvβ3 integrin expression in atherosclerotic plaques with a mimetic of RGD peptide grafted to Gd-DTPA†

Abstract

The new compound is potentially useful for the diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and of other pathologies characterized by alpha v beta3 integrin expression, such as cancer and inflammation. The delayed blood clearance, the significant enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio, and the low immunogenicity of the mimetic molecule highlight its potential for an industrial and clinical implementation.