| abstract |
The present invention relates to the fields of biology and pharmacology. This invention relates, generally, to methods and compositions for modulating oxLDL activity or transport. The present invention resides more specifically in methods for screening compounds that modulate oxLDL activity, more particularly oxLDL cellular uptake. The present invention more particularly describes novel methods of selecting or identifying compounds that can modulate oxLDL cellular binding, uptake and/or degradation by CD36 polypeptides and especially CD36 polypeptides comprising a functional cytoplasmic domain in various cells, such as macrophages. The invention also relates to the use of such compounds, in particular for research, development, improvement, diagnosis, therapeutic or prohylactic treatment of various pathological conditions. The invention also relates to the products or compositions, such as CD36 variants, recombinant cells, vectors, kits, and the like, which can be used for implementing the above methods or for therapeutic purposes. |