The present invention relates to a method of modulating differentiation, adhesion and/or survival of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) presenting cells by providing compounds capable of modulating the interaction between the Ig1, Ig2 and/or Ig3 modules of NCAM. The invention provides candidate compounds capable of modulating the interaction between the Ig1, Ig2 and/or Ig3 modules of NCAM by using methods for screening and testing described in the application. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds capable of modulating the interaction between the Ig1, Ig2 and/or Ig3 modules of NCAM and to use of the pharmaceutical compositions and compounds for the modulation of differentiation, adhesion and/or survival of NCAM presenting cells.