Human vascular endothelial growth factor 2

Abstract

Disclosed is a human VEGF2 polypeptide and DNA(RNA) encoding such VEGF2 polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques and antibodies and antagonist against such polypeptide. Also disclosed is a method of using such polypeptide for stimulating wound healing and for vascular tissue repair. Also provided are methods of using the antagonists to inhibit tumor growth, inflammation and to treat diabetic retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Diagnostic methods for detecting mutations in the VEGF2 coding sequence and alterations in the concentration of VEGF2 protein in a sample derived from a host are also disclosed.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . An isolated antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues −46 to +23 of SEQ ID NO: 2;   (b) a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues −46 to −1 of SEQ ID NO: 2;   (c) a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues −46 to −23 of SEQ ID NO: 2;   (d) a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues −23 to +23 of SEQ ID NO: 2;   (e) a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues −23 to −1 of SEQ ID NO: 2; and   (f) a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues −1 to +23 of SEQ ID NO: 2.   
     
     
         30 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which specifically binds to polypeptide (a). 
     
     
         31 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which specifically binds to polypeptide (b). 
     
     
         32 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which specifically binds to polypeptide (c). 
     
     
         33 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which specifically binds to polypeptide (d). 
     
     
         34 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which specifically binds to polypeptide (e). 
     
     
         35 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which specifically binds to polypeptide (f). 
     
     
         36 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29 , wherein said antibody or fragment inhibits a biological activity of VEGF2. 
     
     
         37 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 36 , wherein said biological activity is angiogenesis, neovascularization, vascular permeability, or endothelial cell growth in a mammal. 
     
     
         38 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29 , wherein said antibody or fragment inhibits binding of VEGF2 to a VEGF2 receptor. 
     
     
         39 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29 , wherein said antibody or fragment inhibits the formation of mature VEGF2. 
     
     
         40 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which is a humanized antibody. 
     
     
         41 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which is a chimeric antibody. 
     
     
         42 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which is a polyclonal antibody. 
     
     
         43 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         44 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which is a single chain antibody. 
     
     
         45 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29  which is a Fab fragment. 
     
     
         46 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 29 , wherein said antibody is labeled with a detectable label. 
     
     
         47 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 46 , wherein said label is selected from the group consisting of:
 (i) an enzyme;   (ii) a fluorescent compound;   (iii) a radioactive compound; and   (iv) a luminescent compound.   
     
     
         48 . An isolated cell that produces the antibody or fragment of  claim 29 . 
     
     
         49 . A hybridoma that produces the antibody or fragment of  claim 29 . 
     
     
         50 . A composition comprising the antibody or fragment of  claim 29  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. 
     
     
         51 . A method of detecting VEGF2 protein in a biological sample comprising:
 (a) contacting the biological sample with the antibody or fragment of  claim 29 ; and   (b) detecting the presence of the antibody bound to VEGF2 protein in the biological sample.   
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein said VEGF2 protein comprises amino acid residues −46 to +23 of SEQ ID NO: 2.