Abstract: Methods of identifying a compound that selectively modulates at least one TLR-mediated cellular activity are disclosed. Generally, the methods include identifying a compound as a compound that selectively modulates at least one TLR-mediated cellular activity if the compound modulates one TLR-mediated cellular activity to a different extent than it modulates a second TLR-mediated cellular activity. Compounds so identified and pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds are also disclosed. Methods of selectively modulating immune cells and methods of treating certain conditions are also provided. Such methods include administering to cells or a subject a compound that selectively modulates a TLR-mediated cellular activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides gene expression systems useful for detecting agonists of Toll-like receptors. The gene expression systems include a nucleic acid sequence encoding a Toll-like receptor and a second nucleic acid sequence that encodes a reporter operably linked to an expression control sequence. The recombinant cell lines include a gene expression system according to the present invention.

Abstract: Methods of identifying compounds that selectively modulate cellular activities mediated by a common TLR are provided. Generally, the methods include providing an assay to detect modulation of a first cellular activity mediated by a TLR; providing an assay to detect modulation of a second cellular activity mediated by the TLR; performing each assay using a test compound; and identifying the test compound as a compound that selectively modulates at least one cellular activity of a plurality of activities mediated by a common TLR if the test compound modulates the first cellular activity to a different extent than it modulates the second TLR-mediated cellular activity. Compounds identified by such methods, pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds, and methods of treating a condition by administering such pharmaceutical compositions to a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of identifying a compound that selectively modulates at least one TLR-mediated cellular activity are disclosed. Generally, the methods include identifying a compound as a compound that selectively modulates at least one TLR-mediated cellular activity if the compound modulates one TLR-mediated cellular activity to a different extent than it modulates a second TLR-mediated cellular activity. Compounds so identified and pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds are also disclosed. Methods of selectively modulating immune cells and methods of treating certain conditions are also provided. Such methods include administering to cells or a subject a compound that selectively modulates a TLR-mediated cellular activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays useful for detecting agonists of Toll-like receptors. The assays include, generally, providing a cell culture transfected with a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a reporter operably linked to a TLR-inducible expression control sequence; contacting the cell culture with a test compound; and identifying the compound as a TLR agonist if TLR-inducible expression of the reporter can be detected.