Abstract: The invention is directed to a polypeptide comprising a human IL-2 mutein numbered in accordance with wild-type IL-2 wherein said human IL-2 is substituted at at least one of positions 20, 88 or 126, whereby said mutein preferentially activates T cells over NK cells. D20H and I, N88G, I, and R, in particular have a relative T cell-differential activity much greater than native IL-2, with predicted associated reduced in vivo toxicity. The invention also includes polynucleotides coding for the muteins of the invention, vectors containing the polynucleotides, transformed host cells, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the muteins, and therapeutic methods of treatment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polypeptide comprising a human IL-2 mutein numbered in accordance with wild-type IL-2 wherein said human IL-2 is substituted at at least one of positions 20, 88 or 126, whereby said mutein preferentially activates T cells over NK cells. D20H and I, N88G, I, and R, in particular have a relative T cell-differential activity much greater than native IL-2, with predicted associated reduced in vivo toxicity. The invention also includes polynucleotides coding for the muteins of the invention, vectors containing the polynucleotides, transformed host cells, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the muteins, and therapeutic methods of treatment.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which bind to human TNF.alpha. are disclosed. Autoantibodies of both the IgM and IgG isotypes are disclosed. A preferred human monoclonal antibody is known as B5 (F78-1A10-B5 mAb) and it binds to recombinant human TNF.alpha. (rhTNF.alpha.) in ELISA format with a titer comparable to three high affinity neutralizing mouse mAbs. It also binds to cell surface TNF.alpha. and prevents TNF.alpha. secretion by human monocyte cell lines.

Abstract: A previously undescribed Interleukin-6 inhibitor activity has been successfully isolated from the supernatant of the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. Treatment of the HL-60 cell line with cycloheximide prevents the appearance of the inhibitory activity in the cellular supernatant. Incubation of the HL-60 supernatant with trypsin destroys the activity. The above observations indicate the inhibitor is a protein. Membrane and gel filtration studies indicate the protein has a molecular weight between 10,000 and 30,000 daltons. The inhibitor was partially isolated from other proteins by dye-ligand and reverse phase chromatography.

Abstract: Compositions containing therapeutically or immunologically active proteins are rendered substantially free from infectious agents such as viable viruses and bacteria without substantial loss of therapeutic or immunologic activity by mixing the protein composition with a complex formed from transition metal ions, such as copper ions, and an angularly-fused, polynuclear heterocyclic arene having two nitrogen atoms in a "cis-ortho" relationship, such as phenanthroline, and a reducing agent such as a thiol or ascorbic acid or ascorbate salt or mixtures of ascorbic acid or ascorbate with a thiol in amounts and at a temperature and for a time sufficient to inactivate substantially all of the viruses and bacteria contained therein. Compositions containing therapeutically active proteins substantially free from viral and bacterial infectivity, which have heretofore been unattainable, can be prepared by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Compositions containing therapeutically or immunologically active proteins are rendered substantially free from infectious agents such as viable viruses and bacteria without substantial loss of therapeutic or immunologic activity by mixing the protein composition with a complex formed from source of transition metal ions, such as copper ions, and an angularly-fused, polynuclear heterocyclic arene having two nitrogen atoms in a "cis-ortho" relationship, such as phenanthroline, and a reducing agent such as a thiol in amounts and at a temperature and for a time sufficient to inactivate substantially all of the viruses and bacteria contained therein. Compositions containing therapeutically active proteins substantially free from viral and bacterial infectivity, which have heretofore been unattainable, can be prepared by the method of the invention.