the present invention is directed to methods for the identification and uses of a receptors that interact with anti - inflammatory compounds derived from eicosapentaenoic acid . the receptors are of the g - protein coupled receptor family , and are useful to screen candidate substances for anti - inflammatory activity , especially substances that are analogs of epa . such analogs are termed “ resolvins ”; and are typically di - and tri - hydroxy epa analogs . one analog herein denoted resolvin e1 was identified in humans and prepared by total synthesis . in nanomolar range resolvin e1 reduces dermal inflammation , peritonitis , dendritic cells migration and il - 12 production . also described herein is a receptor denoted reso er1 that interacts with resolvin e1 to attenuate cytokine induced activation of inflammatory pathways mediated by transcription factor - kb . treatment of dcs with small - interfering rna specific for resoe1 eliminated the ligand &# 39 ; s ability to regulate il - 12 . assays of anti - inflammatory activity based on these discoveries are also described .