Patent ID: 6071493
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: A61K,G01N

Abstract:
A method of screening for an agent that inhibits mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation comprising:contacting a mononuclear phagocyte with an effective amount of a plaque component to stimulate mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation ex vivo, subsequent to ex vivo administration of an effective amount of an agent suspected of inhibiting said complex formation, for an effective amount of time,measuring ex vivo said mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation,comparing said measured mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation to a measured control,wherein reduction of mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation compared to said control results in detection of an agent that inhibits mononuclear phagocyte-plaque component complex formation, said plaque component comprising .beta. amyloid or active fragments thereof.