Expressed ligand-vascular intercellular signaling molecule

Abstract

The present invention provides for a modified TIE-2 ligand 2 which has been altered by addition, deletion or substitution of one or more amino acids, or by way of tagging, with for example, the Fc portion of human IgG-1, but which retains its ability to bind the TIE-2 receptor.

1 . A fusion protein comprising a modified TIE-2 ligand 2 protein and a human immunoglobulin gamma-1 constant region (IgG1 Fc), wherein TIE-2 ligand 2 comprises an N-terminal domain, a coiled-coil domain, and C-terminal fibrinogen-like domain, and the modified TIE-2 ligand 2 protein has the N-terminal and coiled-coil domains deleted and the fibrinogen-like domain comprising amino acids 281-496 of SEQ ID NO:6.  
     
     
         2 - 7 . (canceled)  
     
     
         8 . A composition comprising the fusion protein of  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 8 , wherein the fusion protein has a cytotoxic agent conjugated thereto.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein the cytotoxic agent is a radioisotope or toxin.