COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING CYTOKINE RELEASE IN RESPONSE TO GENOTOXIC AGENTS

摘要

A previously unknown mechanism for cytokine release in response to genotoxic agents, as well as therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and techniques which are based on that mechanism, are disclosed. The mechanism involves the recognition of damaged DNA by DNA-protein kinases and the subsequent phosphorylation of substrates that leads to cytokine release. Methods to modulate the activity of DNA-protein kinases and thus the release of cytokines in response to genotoxic agents are described. Assays for DNA-protein kinase activity which can be used to monitor such modulation are also disclosed.