| abstract |
The invention relates to a single-chain dimeric polypeptide which binds to an extracellular ligand-binding domain of a VEGF type 2 receptor (KDR) or a VEGF type 3 receptor (Flt-4), the polypeptide comprising two receptor-binding sites of which one is capable of binding to a ligand-binding domain of the receptor and one is incapable of effectively binding to a ligand-binding domain of the receptor, and wherein at least one monomer of the dimeric polypeptide is derived from VEGF, VEGF-C or VEGF-D, whereby the single-chain dimeric polypeptide is capable of binding to the receptor, but incapable of activating the receptor. The polypeptide functions as a receptor antagonist for prevention or treatment of a disease or condition involving increased signal transduction from or increased activation of the KDR and/or Flt-4 receptor, e.g. to inhibit angiogenesis or lymphangiogenesis. |