The application discloses a linear or substantially linear epitope on netrin-1 that likely corresponds to the specific binding region of netrin-1 to receptor, in particular of the UNC5 class, especially UNC5B and UNC5A, or alternatively corresponds to a region nearby the specific binding region of netrin-1 to receptor that when bound to an antibody prevents netrin-1/receptor interaction. This determination of a linear epitope allows the Applicant to produce antibodies binding to netrin-1 and interfering with netrin-1/receptor interaction, thereby inducing apoptosis or cell death of tumour cells expressing or overexpressing netrin-1 and at least one netrin-1 receptor, owing the fact that this interaction inhibits netrin-1 binding to a receptor and the multimerization of the receptor. The application discloses a murine monoclonal antibody directed against this epitope and various humanized forms thereof.
