Patent ID: 6090938
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
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 bearing a receptor for underivatized, aqueous soluble .beta.(1-3)-glucan, and an agent to be tested, under conditions suitable for binding of underivatized, aqueous soluble .beta.(1-3)-glucan to the receptor for underivatized, aqueous soluble (1-3)-glucan;b) determining the extent of activation of a signal transduction pathway regulated by NF-.kappa.B or NF-IL6; andc) comparing the extent of activation determined in step (b) wish 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 the receptor for underivatized, aqueous soluble .beta.(1-3)-glucan,wherein a difference in the extent of activation of the signal transduction pathway indicates that the agent alters activation of the signal transduction pathway.