Abstract: Soluble human IFN-gamma receptor extracellular fragment and salts, functional derivatives, precursors and active fractions thereof are provided in substantially purified form. They are useful as pharmaceutically active substances for protecting against the deleterious effects of IFN-gamma, e.g. in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Human natural IFN-.beta.2/IL-6 receptor and its soluble extracellular fragment are provided in substantially purified form and are shown to stimulate and to enhance beneficial effects of IFN-.beta.2/IL-6, such as its antiproliferative activity. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies raised against the soluble fragment of the receptor are also provided.

Abstract: Analysis of [.sup.125 I]. interferon gamma cross-linked to its receptor on various human cells by SDS-PAGE revealed that there are at least three different types of human interferon gamma receptors. In WISH, HeLa, FS11 and the other tissue cells an Mr 90,000-105,000 receptor was found. In monocytes and in the myeloid cell line KG-1 an Mr 140,000 receptor was found while in Daudi lymphoblastoid cells an Mr 95,000-115,000 receptor was found.The various receptors were isolated from these cells by extraction followed by affinity chromotography on an immobilized interferon gamma column. The resulting purified preparations retained their original affinity for interferon gamma and were used for immunizing mice and subsequent development of highly specific antibodies.

Abstract: Interferon .gamma. is produced in highly purified form (activity exceeding 10.sup.8 units/ml-day) by CHO cells cotransformed by a first plasmid bearing the genomic human interferon gene under the control of the SV40 early promoter, and a second plasmid bearing a DHFR gene under similar control. Methotrexate selection yielded a clone which was a particularly efficient producer. Production of interferon .gamma. may also be facilitated by a Harvey sarcoma virus enhancer sequence.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of the human fibroblast interferon, IFN-.beta.1 by cells of mammalian origin which are capable of constitutively expressing a DNA sequence encoding for IFN-.beta.1, producing the IFN and secreting it into the surrounding culture media.A specific embodiment of the invention comprises a methotrexate resistant chinese hamster ovary cell containing one or more pSVEIF molecules. The pSVEIF molecule contains a DNA sequence encoding for human INF-.beta.1 fused about 60 base pairs downstream from SV40 early start gene. The cell is capable of constitutively expressing the sequence encoding IFN-.beta.1, producing IFN-.beta.1 glycoprotein and secreting it into the surrounding medium.The invention also concerns methods of producing IFN-.beta. by culturing and growing the cells of the invention, and isolating and purifying the IFN-.beta.1 product.

Abstract: There is provided a process for purification of human immune interferon (IFN-.gamma.) to homogeneity without appreciable loss of biological activity by the use of chromatography on controlled-pore glass, ultrafiltration and high performance cation exchange chromatography, resulting in essentially pure human interferon subtypes 21K and 26K, and there are provided said purified interferons and pharmaceutical compositions containing same.

Abstract: An improved process for purifying proteins, particularly proteins having molecular weights in excess of 12,000 involves novel applications of high performance liquid chromatography on a preparative scale to provide homogeneous end product in excellent yield. In an embodiment of the process, human interferon is produced as a homogeneous protein.

Abstract: An improved process for purifying proteins, particularly proteins having molecular weights in excess of 12,000 involves novel applications of high performance liquid chromatography on a preparative scale to provide homogeneous end product in excellent yield. In an embodiment of the process, human interferon is produced as a homogeneous protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the cross-linking of proteins wherein the proteins to be cross-linked are reacted with a cross-linking agent selected from the group consisting of:(a) water soluble poly(ethylene oxide) derivatives of the general formula I(z).sub.m --Y--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --Y--(Z).sub.