Antagonists of neuropilin receptor function and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to antagonists of neuropilin receptor function and use thereof in the treatment of cancer, particularly metastatic cancer, and angiogenic diseases.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of inhibiting metastasis in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of an antagonist of neuropilin-2 (NP-2). 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the antagonist specifically binds NP-2. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the antagonist specifically binds to an NP-2 having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the antagonist is an antibody or antibody fragment thereof specifically binds NP-2. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the antibody or antibody fragment thereof specifically binds NP-2 at a VEGF binding site. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the antibody or antibody fragment thereof specifically binds NP-2 having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the antibody or antibody fragment thereof is monoclonal. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the antibody or antibody fragment thereof is a humanized antibody or antibody fragment thereof. 
     
     
         9 . An isolated antibody or antibody fragment thereof that specifically binds a neuropilin-2 (NP-2), wherein said isolated antibody specifically inhibits binding of VEGF to NP-2. 
     
     
         10 . The isolated antibody or antibody fragment thereof of  claim 9 , wherein said NP-2 has the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4.