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Camouflaging endovascular stents with an endothelial coat using CD31 domain 1 and 2 mimetic peptides

August 2024

Jean Sénémaud, Charles Skarbek, Belen Hernandez, Ran Song, Isabelle Lefevre, Elisabetta Bianchi, Yves Castier, Antonino Nicoletti, Christophe Bureau, and Giuseppina Caligiuri

Abstract
Objective: Implantation of an endovascular device disrupts the homeostatic CD31:CD31 interactions among quiescent
endothelial cells (ECs), platelets, and circulating leukocytes. The aim of this study was to design an endothelial-mimetic
coating of nitinol and cobalt-chromium (CoCr) surfaces and stents using synthetic CD31 peptides, to promote device
endothelialization and pacific integration within the arterial wall.

Results: Membrane-distal CD31 D1 and D2 peptides exhibited a distinct capability to foster a healthy endothelial
phenotype and to promote endothelialization in vitro. By day 7 after implantation, CD31 nitinol and CoCr stents were
evenly covered by wholesome ECs, devoid of thromboinflammatory signs, in contrast with both BMS and drug-eluting
stents. Such results were consistent until day 30.

Conclusion: Membrane-distal CD31 biomimetic peptides seem to camouflage the device surface effectively, preventing
local reactions and promoting rapid and seamless endovascular integration. (JVSeVascular Science 2024;5:100213.)