METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS RELATED TO IRM COMPOUNDS AND TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR PATHWAYS

摘要

Methods for identifying a compound that activates a TLR-mediated cellular signaling pathway is disclosed. The method includes (a) exposing a TLR-positive cell culture to a test compound and measuring a TLR-mediated cellular response; (b) exposing a TLR-negative cell culture to a test compound and measuring a TLR-mediated cellular response; and (c) identifying the test compound as an IRM if the cellular response in the TLR-positive cell culture is greater than the cellular response of the TLR-negative cell culture. Methods of eliciting a TLR-mediated cellular response are also disclosed. Such methods include administration of an IRM compound to an IRM-responsive cell so that the IRM compounds affects at least one TLR-mediate cellular signaling pathway.