Method for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit claudin-mediated
cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided.
Within certain embodiments, the modulating agents may be used to increase
blood/brain barrier permeability. The modulating agents comprise at least
one claudin cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment
thereof that specifically binds the claudin cell adhesion recognition
sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell
adhesion recognition sequence recognized by other adhesion molecules. Such
modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug
and/or support material.
