Screening assay for the identification of inhibitors of macrophage migration inhibitory factor
OwnerRichard Bucala, Peter C. Ulrich +2inventors
InventorsRichard Bucala, Peter C. Ulrich, Xini Xhang, Anthony Cerami
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Abstract
The present invention encompasses assays to identify compounds that inhibit the enzymatic activity of MIF which catalyzes the tautomerization of MIF-substrates, such as D-dopachrome to DHICA. In general, the assay is conducted in vitro by adding, mixing or combining MIF and a suitable substrate in the presence or absence of a test compound, and measuring the tautomerization of the substrate. The test compounds that inhibit tautomerization in the assay are identified as MIF inhibitors.
Claims14
A screening assay for compounds that inhibit the biological activity of MIF, comprising:
- (a) preparing a reaction mixture of MIF and a MIF-substrate in the presence and absence of a test compound;
- and
- (b) detecting tautomerization of the MIF-substrate, in which a decrease in tautomerization of the MIF-substrate indicates the ability of the test compound to inhibit MIF activity.
A method for inhibiting the immunomodulatory activity of MIF in a mammal, comprising administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits the tautomerase activity of MIF.
A pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent that inhibits the tautomerase activity of MIF, in a physiologically acceptable carrier.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.