Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating VE-cadherin-mediated functions are provided. The compositions and methods employ VE-cadherin modulating agents which generally comprise one or more of: (a) a peptide sequence that is at least 50% identical to a VE-cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence; (b) a non-peptide mimetic of a VE-cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence; (c) a substance, such as an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds a VE-cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence; and/or (d) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide that comprises a VE-cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence or analogue thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating OB-cadherin-mediated functions are provided. The compositions and methods employ OB-cadherin modulating agents which generally comprise one or more of: (a) a peptide sequence that is at least 50% identical to an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; (b) a non-peptide mimetic of an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; (c) a substance, such as an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; and/or (d) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide that comprises an OB-cadherin CAR sequence or analogue thereof.

Abstract: Modulating agents for inhibiting or enhancing nonclassical cadherin mediated cell adhesion are provided. The modulating agents comprise one or more of: (a) a peptide sequence that is at least 50% identical to a nonclassical cadherin CAR sequence; (b) a non-peptide mimetic of a nonclassical cadherin CAR sequence; (c) a substance, such as an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds a nonclassical cadherin CAR sequence; and/or (d) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide that comprises a nonclassical cadherin CAR sequence or analogue thereof. Methods for using such modulating agents for modulating nonclassical cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of contexts are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit occludin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. Within certain embodiments, the modulating agents may be used for cancer therapy or to increase immune cell infiltration into tumors. The modulating agents comprise at least one occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds the occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.