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 antivial 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: Methods of treatment using a high oral dose of an interferon are described. An interferon, such as interferon-alpha, interferon-beta, or interferon-tau, is administered to persons afflicted with an autoimmune condition, a viral infection, or a condition of cellular proliferation.

Abstract: Methods of treating an autoimmune condition by administering IFN? are described. IFN? is administered orally at a dose sufficient to achieve obtain a desired clinical endpoint, such as a reduction in new contrast-enhanced brain lesions in multiple sclerosis patients.

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 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: 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 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.