Figure 8.

Integrins α_vβ₃ and α₅β₁ are expressed in cells within type 2 choroidal neovascularization (NV), and after intraocular injection, AXT107 localizes with α_vβ₃ and α₅β₁

Six days after laser-induced rupture of Bruch’s membrane, 10 C57BL/6 mice had intravitreous injection of 1 μg of AXT107 or PBS. After 24 h retinas were removed, and eyecups were stained with Alexa Fluor 594-labeled Griffonia Simplicifolia Agglutinin (GSA) lectin and immunostained for α_vβ₃, α₅β₁, or AXT107. Flat mounts showed GSA labeling throughout choroidal NV lesions with overlapping focal areas of staining for α_vβ₃ (A–C), α₅β₁ (D–F) or AXT107 (G–I). Control PBS-injected eyes showed no staining for AXT107 (J–L). In flat mounts stained for AXT107 and α_vβ₃ (M−O) or for AXT107 and α₅β₁ (P-R), the AXT107 co-localized with each of the integrins. The study was conducted in duplicates, and qualitatively similar results were found in the replicates. Scale bar = 100 μm.