Patent ID: 6187550
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method for identifying a composition with activity in Interleukin-1.beta. (IL-1.beta.) processing or secretory pathways comprising:providing a non-naturally occuring cell that has been modified to comprise a first gene for precursor IL-1.beta. (preIL-.beta.) operably linked to a promoter, and a second gene selected from the group consisting of: (a) a gene for Interleukin-1.beta. Converting Enzyme (ICE), (b) a gene for an ICE-like molecule capable of processing preIL-.beta. to mature IL-.beta. (matIL-.beta.) and (c) a gene for a test composition to be evaluated, the second gene being operably linked to a promoter;the first and second genes being stably incorporated into the cell;culturing the cell at a temperature of 29.degree. C. to 35.degree. C., for at least 72 hours and under conditions sufficient for expression of the first and second genes by the cell;applying to the cell a test composition to be evaluated when the second gene is a gene for ICE or an ICE-like molecule capable of processing preIL-.beta. to matIL-.beta.; andmonitoring the cell or the cell environment for a change in the concentration of preIL-1.beta. or matIL-1.beta., as compared to the concentration of preIL.beta. or matIL-1.beta. in the absence of the test composition, which change identifies the test composition as a composition having activity in IL-1.beta. processing and secretory pathways.