Abstract: A method of recovering functional human leukocytes from blood filters used to deplete leukocyte content from leukocyte-containing blood-cell suspensions is provided. More particularly, this method involves isolating leukocytes from filters which have been used to purify red blood cells or platelets in isolation from leukocytes by back-flushing the used filters with a hemolysis solution, such as cold ammonium chloride, and collecting the functional human leukocytes.

Abstract: This invention provides alpha interferon compositions comprising one or a mixture of selected highly antiviral interferon proteins, which compositions are characterized by increased anti-viral activity. These compositions may be used therapeutically in the treatment of viral infection, particularly retroviral or hepatitis infection or as additives to conventional antiviral agents to increase the antiviral potency thereof.

Abstract: Two distinct alpha interferon receptor proteins have been separated and partially purified by antigen affinity chromatography and SDS-PAGE. These proteins are potentially useful as therapeutic agents. Antibodies against these proteins are potentially useful as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel improved alpha interferon composition characterized by high specific activity, a purity of greater than 95% and which upon use in humans is further characterized by a substantial reduction in side effects normally associated with alpha interferon compositions. Also provided is a method for large scale production of the composition from human peripheral blood leukocytes. This alpha interferon composition may be used therapeutically in the treatment of cancers and diseases of the immune system and/or viral etiology.

Abstract: A method for regenerating plantlets from protoplasts isolated from mesophyll cells of abacterial seedlings of red bean (Phaseolus angularis). Protoplasts cultured in certain liquid media could divide continuously and many protoplast-derived calli may be obtained. In addition, various growth media containing the optimum concentration and the type of sugar, mineral salts, vitamins, and combinations and concentrations of several phytohormones for protoplast growth, division, callus formation and plantlet regeneration are provided.

Abstract: An interferon preparation to be administered topically is provided comprising: (a) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more interferons; (b) a vehicle base compatible with the interferon or interferons being administered; (c) an effective amount of one or more protease inhibitors for the purpose of reducing the rate of decay of the biological activity of the interferon or interferons due to proteolytic agents; and (d) an effective amount of one or more anti-microbial agents. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the vehicle base is prepared from a mixture of polyethylene glycols or includes hydroxyethyl cellulose as a thickening agent.

Abstract: Fast moving monomers of alpha-2 interferon ("IFN-alpha-2") are purified from slow moving monomers and oligomers of interferon and from noninterferon proteins using a combination of immunoaffinity chromatography, reverse phase HPLC, cation exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. Two fast monomer forms, FMM.sub.1 and FMM.sub.2, are further distinguished on the basis of charge and hydrophobicity and FMM.sub.2 is obtained in essentially homogeneous form with respect to size, hydrophobicity and charge.

Abstract: Hydroxyalkyl celluloses are useful as sedimenting agents in the non-destructive separation of red and white blood cells. Intact WBC recovery is higher than with conventional methods. The white blood cells may be used in interferon production.

Abstract: A substantially non-toxic, stable, topical therapeutic composition is provided which comprises:(a) a therapeutically active component which is susceptible to oxidative degradation;(b) an oxidative degradation-inhibitory amount of a redox system containing(1) a water soluble polymer containing a plurality of reducing moieties covalently bound thereto and(2) a water soluble polymer containing a plurality of oxidizing moieties covalently bound thereto; and(c) an aqueous vehicle base compatible with the therapeutically active component.

Abstract: An interferon preparation to be administered topically is provided comprising: (a) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more interferons; (b) a vehicle base compatible with the interferon or interferons being administered; (c) an effective amount of one or more protease inhibitors for the purpose of reducing the rate of decay of the biological activity of the interferon or interferons due to proteolytic agents; and (d) an effective amount of one or more anti-microbial agents. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the vehicle base is prepared from a mixture of polyethylene glycols or includes hydroxyethyl cellulose as a thickening agent.

Abstract: A process and cellular system for producing soluble biological mediators, including cytokines, lymphokines, monokines and interferons, and mRNA therefor, from white blood cells is provided. The process involves treating white blood cells with a mitogenic or antigenic agent in the presence of a controlled amount of red blood cells. Increases in production of the soluble biological mediator, gamma interferon, on the order of 5 to 10 fold have been achieved by maintaining the ratio of red blood cells to white blood cells between 10 to 1 and about 50 to 1. The process is particularly useful in producing HuIFN-.gamma. with PHA-P.

Abstract: A method is provided for restoring some or all of the activity of gamma-interferon which has been in contact with an acidic solution comprising the steps of: (a) placing the gamma-interferon in a solution which has a pH between about 5.5 and 9.5; and (b) incubating the solution at a temperature of between about 2.degree. C. and 8.degree. C. for a period of at least 24 hours. The method allows antibody affinity chromatography employing acid elution to be used to purify gamma-interferon, in that, the activity of the acid-eluted gamma-interferon can be essentially completely restored using the reactivation process.