Antibodies and cyclic peptides which bind CEA (carcinoembryonic antigens) and their use as cancer therapeutics

The present invention relates to differentiation and tumorigenicity. The present invention more particularly relates to ligands which target CEA and CEACAM6 such that the adhesion, differentiation-Inhibitory activities and tumorigenic effects of Ig superfamily members, CEA and CEACAM6, can be reduced or blocked. More particularly, the present invention relates to CEA-binding agents which reverse CEA-mediated tumorigenic effects by declustering CEA and CEACAM6. In one embodiment the invention relates to methods of reducing, preventing or reversing a CEA-mediated tumorigenic effect comprising a use of a CEA-mediated tumorigenic effect reducing CEA-declustering agent. In one embodiment, the invention relates to compositions and use thereof for reversing CEA-mediated tumorigenic effects on human cancer cells and uses thereof. In particular, the application relates to a monovalent CEA binding agent which interferes with a CEA interaction responsible for a CEA-mediated tumorigenic effects, thereby minimizing or reversing same.