Tweak receptor agonists as anti-angiogenic agents

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods of modulating angiogenesis and inhibiting tumor progression by using TWEAK receptor (Fn14) agonists. In particular, methods for inhibiting angiogenesis are disclosed.

1 . A method of modulating angiogenesis comprising the step of administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a TWEAK receptor agonist. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said TWEAK receptor is Fn14. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said TWEAK receptor agonist is an Fn14 agonist. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said Fn14 agonist is an anti-Fn14 antibody. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said anti-Fn14 antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said Fn14 agonist is administered in the presence of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one endothelial cell modulator. 
     
     
         7 . A method of inhibiting tumor progression comprising the step of administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agonist to a TWEAK receptor. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said TWEAK receptor is Fn14. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said TWEAK receptor agonist is an Fn14 agonist. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said Fn14 agonist is an anti-Fn14 antibody. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said anti-Fn14 antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said Fn14 agonist is administered in the presence of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one endothelial cell modulator. 
     
     
         13 . A method of inhibiting tumor progression comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a Fn14-Fc fusion protein.