Patent ID: 8617832

Claim:
A method for identifying an agent that inhibits Candida albicans -mediated host cell differentiation comprising (a) contacting undifferentiated keratinocytes with C. albicans for 3 to 6 hours; (b) contacting the undifferentiated keratinocytes with a test agent; and (c) determining whether said test agent inhibits differentiation of the keratinocytes as measured by: (i) an increase in the expression or activity of calprotectin, Keratin 19 or involucrin; (ii) a decrease in the expression or activity of Keratin 13 or SPRR3; (iii) an increase in motility or reorganization of actin cytoskeleton; or (iv) a combination of one or more of (i)-(iii) as compared to control undifferentiated keratinocytes not contacted with the test agent thereby identifying an agent that inhibits Candida albicans -mediated host cell differentiation.