Microvessel endothelial cell surface markers and uses thereof

1. A method of delivering a targeting agent to a microvessel endothelial cell in adipose tissue or skin in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent which binds to a protein encoded by Il6st expressed on the surface of a microvessel endothelial cell in adipose tissue or skin, wherein the microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent is delivered specifically to a microvessel endothelial cell in adipose tissue or skin expressing the protein encoded by Il6st, and causes an effect in the microvessel endothelial cell, or a microvessel, tissue or organ adjacent to the microvessel endothelial cell.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent is internalized into or transported across the endothelial cells lining the microvessel.

3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent is selected from the group consisting of antibodies; small organic or inorganic molecules; saccharides; oligosaccharides; polysaccharides; a biological macromolecule selected from the group consisting of peptides, proteins, peptide analogs and derivatives; peptidomimetics; nucleic acids selected from the group consisting of siRNAs, shRNAs, antisense RNAs, ribozymes, dendrimers and aptamers; an extract made from biological materials selected from the group consisting of bacteria, plants, fungi, animal cells, and animal tissues; naturally occurring or synthetic compositions; and any combination thereof.

4. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent is selected from a therapeutic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a diagnostic agent, an imaging agent, a multi-purpose agent, and combinations thereof.

5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein delivering a targeting agent to microvessel endothelial cells in adipose tissue or skin of the subject treats, prevents, or ameliorates a symptom of, a disease of adipose tissue or skin in the subject.

6. A method according to claim 5 , wherein the disease is an inflammatory disease of adipose tissue or skin.

7. A method according to claim 6 , wherein the inflammatory disease is selected from the group consisting of cancer, obesity-related insulin resistance, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cholecystitis, gout, osteoarthritis, Pickwickian syndrome, ischaemic heart disease, peptic, gastric, and duodenal ulcers, CVHD, fibrosis, lipodystrophy, herpes infection, candidiasis, burns, dermatitis, dermatomyositis, sunburn, urticaria, warts, wheals, acne, eczema, oily skin, rosacea, cutaneous lymphoma, and Behcets's syndrome.

8. A method according to claim 5 , wherein the disease is a disease of the microvasculature of adipose tissue or skin selected from the group consisting of a venular disorder and a non-venular disorder.

9. A method of treating a microvessel endothelial cell-associated disorder of adipose tissue or skin in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent which binds to a protein encoded by Il6st expressed on the surface of a microvessel endothelial cell in adipose tissue and skin, wherein the microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent is delivered specifically to a microvessel endothelial cell in adipose tissue and skin expressing the protein encoded by Il6st; and the microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent is a therapeutic agent for treating the microvessel endothelial cell-associated disorder.

10. A method according to claim 9 , wherein the microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent is internalized into or transported across the endothelial cells lining the microvessel.

11. A method according to claim 9 , wherein the microvessel endothelial cell-associated disorder of adipose tissue or skin is selected from the group consisting of a venular disorder and a non-venular disorder.

12. A method of delivering a targeting agent to a microvessel endothelial cell in adipose tissue or skin, comprising administering a microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent which binds to a protein encoded by Il6st expressed on the surface of a microvessel endothelial cell in adipose tissue or skin, wherein the microvessel endothelial cell targeting agent is delivered specifically to a microvessel endothelial cell in adipose tissue or skin expressing the protein encoded by Il6st and causes an effect in the microvessel endothelial cell, or a microvessel, tissue or organ adjacent to the microvessel endothelial cell.