Abstract: Interferon-alpha (IFN?) analog proteins modified by chemical attachment of at least one hydrophilic polymer moiety, such as polyethylene glycol chain, are described for use in combination therapies with antiviral and/or antitumor agents. In one embodiment, the IFN? analog protein has an amino acid sequence that differs from a native human IFN? interferon-alpha by one or more amino acid residues in the N-terminal region, comprised of between about residues 1-27, inclusive, by one or more substitutions selected based on the amino acid residue at the corresponding position of a mature interferon-tau (IFN?) protein. Methods of combination therapy are also described.

Abstract: Interferon-alpha (IFN?) analog proteins modified by chemical attachment of at least one hydrophilic polymer moiety, such as polyethylene glycol chain, are described. In one embodiment, the IFN? analog protein has an amino acid sequence that differs from a native human IFN? interferon-alpha by one or more amino acid residues in the N-terminal region, comprised of between about residues 1-27, inclusive, by one or more substitutions selected based on the amino acid residue at the corresponding position of a mature interferon-tau (IFN?) protein. Methods of treating viral diseases and other disorders with the polymer-modified IFN? analog protein are also described.

Abstract: A method of treating conditions responsive to therapy with interferon-alpha or interferon-beta is provided, where the dose of interferon-alpha or interferon-beta is reduced and a dose of interferon-tau is additionally administered. The method results in efficacious therapy with a reduction in unwanted adverse events.

Abstract: A method for treating an IL-10 deficiency in a human subject is described, where a person having an IL-10 deficiency is identified and treated with interferon-tau (IFN?) at a dose sufficient to increase the IL-10 level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hybrid interferon fusion proteins formed of an interferon-? protein where the C-terminal region of the interferon-? protein is replaced by a C-terminal region of interferon-?. Also described are nucleic acid sequences encoding the interferon fusion proteins, expression vectors containing such sequences, and therapeutic applications of the interferon fusion proteins. The therapeutic applications include antiviral, anticellular proliferation, and anti-inflammatory applications. One advantage of the interferon fusion polypeptides of the present invention is that they have lower cytotoxic side effects when used to treat cells.

Abstract: A method for treating a condition responsive to interferon therapy in a human subject is described. The method includes orally administering interferon-tau to the intestinal tract in an amount effective to produce an increase in the subject's blood 2?, 5?-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) level, relative to the OAS level in the subject in the absence of interferon-tau.

Abstract: Methods of treating an autoimmune condition, a viral infection, or a condition of cellular proliferation by administering IFN? are described. More specifically, a method of up-regulating the IL-10 level in patients afflicted with an autoimmune condition, a viral infection, or a condition of cellular proliferation by administering IFN? is described. IFN? is administered at a dose sufficient to achieve an up-regulation of IL-10 in the blood, relative to the IL-10 level in the absence of IFN?.

Abstract: A method of monitoring treatment of HCV by oral administration of ovine IFN-? is disclosed. The method includes measuring the blood levels of 2?,5?-oligoadenylate synthetase prior to and after such oral administration, and if necessary, adjusting the dose of IFN-? until a measurable increase in blood 2?,5?-oligoadenylate synthetase level, relative to the level observed prior to administration, is observed. Also disclosed are oral-delivery compositions for use in treating HCV in an HCV-infected patient comprising ovine IFN-?, in a dosage effective to stimulate bloodstream levels of 2?,5?-oligoadenylate synthetase.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of reducing the cytotoxicity of interferon-alpha by making defined amino acid substitutions in the N-terminal portion of the polypeptide sequence. Also described are human interferon-alpha analogs with low cytotoxicity, and therapeutic applications of the low toxicity interferon-alpha analogs.