| abstract |
The present invention provides methods for identifying compounds that can induce cellular chemokinesis. According to the present invention, chemokinesis interferes with immune and inflammatory responses by increasing cell movements and altering cell migration patterns. Surprisingly, compounds isolated according to the present invention can interfere with the spread of malignant cells through the body, reduce inflammatory responses and can cause leukocytes to be retained in lymph nodes, the spleen and other organs of the reticulo-endothelial system. Several methods are contemplated by the present invention for identifying compounds which can induce chemokinesis. In one embodiment the method involves contacting a population of target cells with a test compound and observing whether the target cells produce a chemotactic molecule; wherein the target cell has a cognate receptor for the chemotactic molecule. In another embodiment, the method involves contacting a population of target cells with a test compound and observing whether the target cells homotypically aggregate. In yet another embodiment, the method involves contacting a population of target cells with a test compound and observing whether actin filaments in the target cells form stress fibers. |