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: 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: Methods of treating a disease or condition responsive to interleukin-10 therapy in a mammal are provided. In one form, a method includes orally administering a therapeutically effective amount of interferon tau to the mammal. In other forms of the invention, the method includes administering a second therapeutic agent to the mammal in addition to interleukin-10 either simultaneously or sequentally.

Abstract: Improvements in a method of treating a human disease or condition responsive to continued and periodic interferon-tau administration in humans are provided, by adjusting the dose administered to the patient in accordance with the patient's serum IL-10 response.

Abstract: Methods for promoting weight loss and/or preventing weight gain, particularly excessive weight gain, in subjects carrying excess body weight are described. The methods involve administering interferon-tau to the subject. Also described are methods for reducing body weight or preventing weight gain in subjects at risk of developing or already suffering from conditions caused by or exacerbated by excess body weight, such as diabetes, and particularly autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension.

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 increasing IL-10/IFN? ratio in subjects suffering from an autoimmune condition or a viral infection is described. IFN? is administered in a dose sufficient to increase the IL-1010/IFN-? blood ratio, to prevent on-set, to prevent progression, or to treat these conditions.

Abstract: A method of preventing an increase in the blood level of IFN-? in a subject at risk of an elevated IFN-? blood level due to (i) administration of a therapeutic agent or (ii) a disease condition is described. The method includes administering interferon-tau (IFN?) at a dosage sufficient to maintain or to decrease the IFN-? blood level in a patient being treated with an agent that causes a rise in IFN-? blood level or suffering from a condition that causes a rise in IFN-? blood level.

Abstract: Methods of treatment comprised of a combination treatment regimen of interferon-tau (IFN?) and one or more additional agents are described. In the combined treatment method, IFN? is orally administered to the patient. One or more additional treatment agents are administered prior to, concurrent with, or subsequent to oral administration of IFN?. In one embodiment, the combined treatment regimen is for treatment of an autoimmune condition, such as multiple sclerosis, and interferon-tau is administered in combination with a second therapeutic, autoimmune treatment agent. In another embodiment, the combined treatment regimen involves administering an agent that protects or stabilizes interferon-tau after oral administration, optionally in combination with another treatment agent.

Abstract: A method of modulating the IL-10/IL-12 blood ratio in subjects suffering from an autoimmune disorder is described. The method involves administering interferon-tau in a dose sufficient to modulate the patients' IL-10/IL-12 blood ratio, to prevent on-set, to prevent progression, or to treat an autoimmune condition.

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: A method of administering interferon-&tgr; to a subject subsequent to a defined food and/or water intake regimen is described. The method comprises administering orally to the subject, subsequent to fasting and/or fasting combined with a controlled or absence of fluid intake, an amount of interferon-&tgr; that is effective to achieve an increased level of 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) activity in whole blood relative to that achieved from oral administration to a subject also treated with interferon-&tgr; but not held to the defined food and/or water intake regimen.

Abstract: A method of monitoring treatment of HCV by oral administration of ovine IFN-&tgr; 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-&tgr; 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-&tgr;, in a dosage effective to stimulate bloodstream levels of 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase.