Patent ID: 6319681
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: C12N,C12Q,C12Y,G01N

Abstract:
A method for identifying a specific inhibitor of a mammalian TNF-.alpha. convertase, comprising:(a) contacting a mammalian TNF-.alpha. convertase in the presence of a TNF-.alpha. convertase substrate with a test compound; and(b) measuring the rate of cleavage of the substrate;whereby an inhibitor of the TNF-.alpha. convertase is identified by measuring substantially reduced cleavage of the substrate, compared to what would be measured in the absence of the test compound;(c) and further contacting said test compound with a matrix-degrading metalloprotease in the presence of a matrix-degrading metalloprotease substrate; and(d) measuring the rate of cleavage of the substrate;whereby a specific inhibitor of a TNF-.alpha. convertase is identified by measuring substantially undiminished cleavage of the substrate, compared to what would be measured in the absence of such inhibitor.