Methods for activating endothelial growth factors VEGF-C or VEGF-D with
plasmin, and methods of treatment comprising administering a
phamarceutical compositions comprising plasmin. Also disclosed are
methods for screening for inhibitors of activation of the growth factors
by plasmin, and method of treatment by blocking activation of VEGF-C/D
activation by plasmin. Further disclosed are methods for screening for
other proteases that activate VEGF-C/D, and for inhibitors of such
activation. The invention further includes inhibitors of plasmin activity
and methods of treating patients in need thereof with said inhibitors.