Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) antagonist selectively neutralizes pathological TGF-beta

摘要

The present invention provides methods and compositions for the suppression of metastasis by a soluble TGF-beta antagonist (SR2F). This antagonist is composed of the soluble extracellular domain of the type II TGF-beta receptor fused to the Fc domain of human IgG. In particular, the present invention is directed to the use of SR2F to prevent metastasis without affecting the normal physiological role of TGF-beta. Thus, the SR2F of the present invention discriminates between "physiological" TGF-beta and "pathological" TGF-beta in such a manner that only the "pathological" TGF-beta is affected by the administration of SR2F.