Methods for identifying modulators of il-24 mediated apoptosis and immunotherapy

Abstract

A method for identifying modulators of Interleukin 24 (IL-24) mediated apoptosis is disclosed. For IL-24 apoptosis to be effective, the cells should express Sigma 1 Receptor (SIR). Additionally apoptosis modulators can be identified by exposing biological cells to test compounds and monitoring for signs of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein expression; calcium mobilization; or reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for identifying a compound capable of acting as a surrogate of Interleukin 24 (IL-24) by binding to Sigma 1 Receptor (S1R) intracellularly, the method comprising steps of:
 contacting a biological cell with a test compound, wherein the biological cell expresses S1R;   determining whether diminished endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein expression; calcium mobilization; or reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is produced, wherein the activation of ER stress, the mobilization of calcium or ROS production indicates that the test compound acts as a surrogate of IL-24, the step of determining being determined in comparison to a substantially identical biological cell that is not contacted with the test compound.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the step of determining is based on the activation of ER stress. 
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the step of determining is based on the mobilization of calcium. 
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the step of determining is based on the ROS production. 
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the step of determining is based on the activation of ER stress, the mobilization of calcium and the ROS production. 
     
     
         6 . A method for identifying a compound for treatment hyperproliferative or autoimmune disorder by binding to Sigma 1 Receptor (S1R), the method comprising a step of coimmunoprecipitating a test compound with S1R, wherein the test compound is identified as useful for treatment hyperproliferative or autoimmune disorder if a precipitate is formed.