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US 8,617,832 B2Granted
Method for identifying an agent that inhibits Candida albicans—mediated host cell differentiation
AssigneeTrustees of Dartmouth College
InventorPaula Sundstrom
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention features a method for identifying an agent that inhibits Candida albicans-mediated differentiation of keratinocytes. Agents identified by the screening assay of the invention find application in the prevention and treatment of candidiasis.
Claims2
A method for identifying an agent that inhibits Candida albicans-mediated host cell differentiation comprising
- (a) contacting undifferentiated keratinocytes with C. albicans for 3 to 6 hours;
- (b) contacting the undifferentiated keratinocytes with a test agent;
- and
- (c) determining whether said test agent inhibits differentiation of the keratinocytes as measured by:
- (i) an increase in the expression or activity of calprotectin, Keratin 19 or involucrin;
- (ii) a decrease in the expression or activity of Keratin 13 or SPRR3;
- (iii) an increase in motility or reorganization of actin cytoskeleton;
- or
- (iv) a combination of one or more of (i)-(iii) as compared to control undifferentiated keratinocytes not contacted with the test agent thereby identifying an agent that inhibits Candida albicans-mediated host cell differentiation.
6 more elements
A method for identifying an agent that inhibits Candida albicans-mediated host cell differentiation comprising
- (a) contacting undifferentiated keratinocytes with C. albicans for 12 to 24 hours;
- (b) contacting the undifferentiated keratinocytes with a test agent;
- and
- (c) determining whether said test agent inhibits differentiation of the keratinocytes as measured by:
- (i) an increase in the expression or activity of calprotectin, Keratin 19 or involucrin;
- (ii) a decrease in the expression or activity of Keratin 13 or SPRR3;
- (iii) a decrease in average keratinocyte cell area or loss of adherin junctions;
- or
- (iv) a combination of one or more of (i)-(iii) as compared to control undifferentiated keratinocytes not contacted with the test agent thereby identifying an agent that inhibits Candida albicans-mediated host cell differentiation.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.