Abstract: Recombinant forms of DNA sequences for CPD glycosylases, including the bacteriophage T4 gene denV, are described that are capable of expression at high levels. Active CPD glycosylases can be recovered from inclusion bodies resulting from the high expression using, for example, a homogenization process which employs stream mixing, and the active proteins can be used in, for example, topical formulations for treatment of photosensitive diseases. Stream mixing can also be used to solubilize inclusion bodies containing proteins other than CPD glycosylases.

Abstract: Recombinant forms of DNA sequences for CPD glycosylases, including the bacteriophage T4 gene denV, are described that are capable of expression at high levels. Active CPD glycosylases can be recovered from inclusion bodies resulting from the high expression using, for example, a homogenization process which employs stream mixing, and the active proteins can be used in, for example, topical formulations for treatment of photosensitive diseases. Stream mixing can also be used to solubilize inclusion bodies containing proteins other than CPD glycosylases.

Abstract: A method for purifying from a mixture of hybrid compound which contains a portion of IL-2, which portion includes at least a region of the IL-2R binding domain of IL-2, which region is effective to cause the hybrid compound to bind to cells containing an IL-2R. The method includes passing the mixture containing the hybrid compound over a column having attached thereto molecules consisting of or containing a complex sugar moiety with affinity for the hybrid compound, and eluting the hybrid compound with a suitable eluant. The invention also features related complexes of the hybrid compound and assays for the hybrid compound.

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: 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 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.