Abstract: Two kinds of antibody antagonists of the binding of human IL-4 to cellular receptors are provided by this invention. Some of the antagonists bind to specific regions of IL-4 which are believed to be involved in interactions between IL-4 and its receptors. Because of this specific binding by the antibodies to the IL-4, the binding of the IL-4 to the receptors is substantially inhibited. The other antibody antagonists of the invention are anti-idiotypic antibodies which, while lacking IL-4 activity, appear to mimic IL-4 and to compete directly with it for binding to the cellular receptors. Polypeptides used to make the antibody antagonists are also provided, together with methods for using the antagonists to inhibit the binding of IL-4 to its cellular receptors.

Abstract: Antagonists of GM-CSF are disclosed that comprise antibodies and anti-idiotypic antibodies specific for the carboxyl terminus of GM-CSF. These antagonists are useful for treating various diseases, the symptoms of which are increased by GM-CSF, and for lessening the effects of chemotherapy.

Abstract: Novel synthetic polypeptides having amino acid sequences corresponding to the sequence of one or more specific regions of human gamma interferon are provided by this invention. These polypeptides specifically inhibit the binding of human gamma interferon to cellular receptors and the biological activity of such interferon. Antibody antagonists of the binding of human gamma interferon to cellular receptors based Upon the use of the polypeptides as antigens are also provided. Some of these antagonists bind to specific regions of gamma interferon which are believed to be involved in interactions between the intefferon and its receptors. Other antibody antagonists are anti-idiotypic antibodies which appear to compete directly with gamma interferon for binding to the cellular receptors. Also provided are methods for the use of the polypeptides and antibodies as inhibitors of the binding of gamma interferon to its cellular receptors.

Abstract: A method of purifying granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), particularly recombinant human GM-CSF, in good yield and with retention of biological activity, comprising sequential anion-exchange, dye-ligand affinity, gel filtration and reversed-phase chromatography is disclosed.

Abstract: Biologically active oxidized variants of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are provided in which one or more methionine residues are oxidized. Methods are also provided for making and characterizing such variants.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for purifying gamma interferon from various contaminants resulting from disruption of the cell in which the interferon was produced. The process provides for sequential removal of (a) nucleic acids, (b) negatively charged contaminating proteins, (c) positively charged contaminating proteins and (d) low and high molecular weight impurities.