Fzd7 specific antibodies and vaccines to treat cancer and control stem cell function

Abstract

The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for FZD7, which preferably do not substantially interact with (bind to) other FZD family members, and methods of making said anti-FZD7 antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Another embodiment relates to antibodies and binding fragments comprising sequences of VH, VL and/or CDR polypeptides described herein. The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-FZD7 antibodies and binding fragments. The invention further contemplates use of anti-FZD7 antibodies and binding fragments for tissue engineering. This invention also relates to a transgenic mouse expressing the epitope of anti-FZD7 antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Embodiments also pertain to use of anti-FZD7 antibodies and binding fragments (as well as the identified FZD7 epitope) for diagnosis, assessment, prevention and/or treatment of diseases and disorders associated with aberrant FZD7 expression, such as cancer. The invention further provides peptides for use in anticancer vaccines and for producing antibodies.