Targeting of Notch3 Receptor Function for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

The present invention involves the use of peptides from Notch3, and antibodies that recognize epitopes represented by those peptides, as anti-cancer agents. Methods of combination therapy using standard anti-cancer protocols in conjunction with Notch3 peptides and antibodies also are provided.

1 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . An isolated and purified antibody that binds to an epitope comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of CFNTLGGHS (SEQ ID NO:3), CVCVNGWTGES (SEQ ID NO:4), CATAV (SEQ ID NO:5), CFHGAT (SEQ ID NO:6), CVSNP (SEQ ID NO:7) and CLNGGS (SEQ ID NO:8). 
     
     
         33 . A method of inhibiting Notch3 receptor signaling comprising contacting a cell expressing Notch3 with an antibody that binds to an epitope comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of CFNTLGGHS (SEQ ID NO:3), CVCVNGWTGES (SEQ ID NO:4), CATAV (SEQ ID NO:5), CFHGAT (SEQ ID NO:6), CVSNP (SEQ ID NO:7) and CLNGGS (SEQ ID NO:8). 
     
     
         34 . A method of treating a subject having a Notch3-expressing cancer comprising administering to said subject an antibody that binds to an epitope comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of CFNTLGGHS (SEQ ID NO:3), CVCVNGWTGES (SEQ ID NO:4), CATAV (SEQ ID NO:5), CFHGAT (SEQ ID NO:6), CVSNP (SEQ ID NO:7) and CLNGGS (SEQ ID NO:8). 
     
     
         35 . A pharmaceutical formulation comprising an antibody that binds to an epitope comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of CFNTLGGHS (SEQ ID NO:3), CVCVNGWTGES (SEQ ID NO:4), CATAV (SEQ ID NO:5), CFHGAT (SEQ ID NO:6), CVSNP (SEQ ID NO:7) and CLNGGS (SEQ ID NO:8). 
     
     
         36 . (canceled)