Patent ID: 6110692
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: A61K,G01N

Abstract:
An assay for identifying an agent which alters activation of a signal transduction pathway, said assay comprising the steps of:a) combining underivatized, aqueous soluble .beta.(1-3)-glucan, a cell comprising lactosyl ceramide, and an agent to be tested, under conditions suitable for binding of underivatized, aqueous soluble .beta.(1-3)-glucan to lactosyl ceramide;b) determining the extent of activation of a signal transduction pathway which is regulated by NF-.kappa.B or NF-IL6; andc) comparing the extent of activation determined in step (b) with the extent of activation in the absence of the agent to be tested under conditions suitable for binding of underivatized, aqueous soluble .beta.(1-3)-glucan to lactosyl ceramide,wherein a difference in the extent of activation of the signal transduction pathway indicates that the agent alters activation of the signal transduction pathway.