Expression vectors and cell lines expressing vascular endothelial growth factor d, and method of treating melanomas

Abstract

This invention relates to expression vectors comprising VEGF-D and its biologically active derivatives, cell lines stably expressing VEGF-D and its biologically active derivatives, and to a method of making a polypeptide using these expression vectors and host cells. The invention also relates to a method for treating and alleviating melanomas or tumors expressing VEGF-D and various diseases.

1 - 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . A method of stimulating the healing of a skin graft to underlying tissue of a mammalian subject, comprising:
 contacting skin graft tissue or underlying tissue with a composition comprising a VEGF-D polypeptide;   wherein the VEGF-D polypeptide is present in said composition in an amount effective to stimulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, thereby improving the healing of the skin graft.   
     
     
         48 . The method according to  claim 47  wherein said mammalian subject is human. 
     
     
         49 . The method according to  claim 47  wherein the VEGF-D polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of:
 a) a VEGF-D polypeptide as set out in SEQ ID NO:11; and 
 b) a biologically active fragment or analog of a). 
 
     
     
         50 . A method of treating a surgical or traumatic wound to skin of a mammalian subject, comprising:
 stimulating the growth of blood and lymphatic vessels adjacent to regenerating skin with a composition comprising a VEGF-D polypeptide;   wherein the VEGF-D polypeptide is present in said composition in an amount effective to stimulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, thereby treating the surgical or traumatic wound to skin.   
     
     
         51 . The method according to  claim 50  wherein said mammalian subject is human. 
     
     
         52 . The method according to  claim 50  wherein the VEGF-D polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of:
 a) a VEGF-D polypeptide as set out in SEQ ID NO:11; and 
 b) a biologically active fragment or analog of a). 
 
     
     
         53 . The method according to  claim 50  wherein the surgical or traumatic wound to skin is selected from the group consisting of a burn, an incision from plastic surgery, and an incision from cosmetic surgery. 
     
     
         54 . A method of reducing surgical scarring following surgery of a mammalian subject, comprising:
 stimulating the growth of blood and lymphatic vessels adjacent to regenerating skin with a composition comprising a VEGF-D polypeptide;   wherein the VEGF-D polypeptide is present in said composition in an amount effective to stimulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, thereby reducing surgical scarring in plastic or cosmetic surgery.   
     
     
         55 . The method according to  claim 54  wherein said mammalian subject is human. 
     
     
         56 . The method according to  claim 54  wherein the VEGF-D polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of:
 a) a VEGF-D polypeptide as set out in SEQ ID NO:11; and 
 b) a biologically active fragment or analog of a). 
 
     
     
         57 . The method according to  claim 54  wherein the surgery is selected from the group consisting plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.