The present invention provides peptides that selectively bind to mammalian atherosclerotic lesions. The present invention also provides methods for in vivo identification of peptides capable of binding to biomolecules as well as methods for identifying the targets of such binding moieties. Methods to diagnose or treat pathologic conditions that involve atherosclerotic lesions are also provided by the invention that involve administering to a mammal a peptide attached to a reporter molecule or a therapeutic agent, respectively.
