Abstract: Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and/or modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for their isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them, DNA vectors expressing them, vecotors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of inhibitors of IL-18 in the preparation of a medicament for treatment and/or prevention of liver injury. The invention further relates to the use of IL-18 inhibitors in the preparation of a medicament for treatment and/or prevention of arthritis, in particular rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to this, the invention relates to the use of inhibitors of IL-18 in the preparation of a medicament for treatment and/or prevention of inflammatory bowel diseases, in particular of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Abstract: Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and/or modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for their isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them, DNA vectors expressing them, vectors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided.

Abstract: Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Binding Protein is isolated and substantially purified. It has the ability to inhibit the cytotoxic effect of TNF and/or to maintain its prolonged beneficial effects. Isolated cDNA encoding TNF Binding Protein II is obtained and may be used to produce expression vectors, prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression hosts and methods of obtaining the protein by culturing of such hosts.

Abstract: Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitory Protein is isolated and substantially purified. It has the ability to inhibit: (a) the binding of TNF to its receptors, and (b) the cytotoxic effect of TNF. TNF Inhibitory Protein and salts, functional derivatives and active fractions thereof can be used to antagonize the deleterious effects of TNF.

Abstract: Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitory Protein is isolated and substantially purified. It has the ability to inhibit: (a) the binding of TNF to its receptors, and (b) the cytotoxic effect of TNF. TNF Inhibitory Protein and salts, functional derivatives and active fractions thereof can be used to antagonize the deleterious effects of TNF by eliminating TNF from the body, and to reduce the cytotoxic activity of TNF by binding to TNF and thereby to inhibit the binding of TNF to its receptors.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA encoding Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitory Protein, or an active fragment thereof, is obtained. The TNF Inhibitory Protein has the ability to inhibit: (a) the binding of TNF to its receptors, and (b) the cytotoxic effect of TNF. TNF Inhibitory Protein and salts, functional derivatives and active fractions thereof can be used to antagonize the deleterious effects of TNF by eliminating TNF from the body, and to reduce the cytotoxic activity of TNF by binding to TNF and thereby to inhibit the binding of TNF to its receptors. The DNA may be in an expression vector. Host cells transfected with such an expression vector may be used to produce the TNF Inhibitory Protein.

Abstract: Interferon &agr;/&bgr; binding proteins are provided, which are capable of modulating the activity of interferon-&agr; subtypes as well as interferon-&bgr;. Cloning of DNA molecules encoding these proteins, expression in host cells and antibodies against the proteins are also provided.

Abstract: A soluble LDL receptor protein is provided. It can be isolated from cells that have been treated with an interferon, isolated from the urine of healthy human individuals or produced by recombinant techniques. The soluble LDL receptor protein is useful in protection of mammals against viral infections.

Abstract: DNA encoding a soluble LDL receptor protein, is provided, as are vectors, cell lines and processes for the production of the protein, mutein or fragment. The soluble LDL receptor protein, and its muteins and fragments, are useful in protection of mammals against viral infections.

Abstract: Antibodies directed against the ligand-binding component of the interferon (IFN)-.alpha./.beta. receptor (IFN.alpha./.beta.R, IFNAR2) are provided. The antibodies are capable of selectively modulating the activity of IFN-.alpha. as compared to IFN-.beta.. By virtue of their selectivity, the antibodies are useful in clinical and analytical applications.

Abstract: Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitory Protein is isolated and substantially purified. It has the ability to inhibit: (a) the binding of TNF to its receptors, and (b) the cytotoxic effect of TNF. TNF Inhibitory Protein and salts, functional derivatives and active fractions thereof can be used to antagonize the deleterious effects of TNF.

Abstract: Interferon .alpha./.beta. binding proteins are provided, which are capable of modulating the activity of interferon-.alpha. subtypes as well as interferon-.beta.. Cloning of DNA molecules encoding these proteins, expression in host cells and antibodies against the proteins are also provided.

Abstract: A cDNA encoding a new interferon-gamma (IFN-.gamma.)-binding protein is disclosed. Methods and products for the recombinant production of the protein are provided, and specific antibodies are also described.

Abstract: A soluble LDL receptor protein is provided. It can be isolated from cells that have been treated with an interferon, isolated from the urine of healthy human individuals or produced by recombinant techniques. The soluble LDL receptor protein is useful in protection of meals against viral infections.

Abstract: Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitory Protein is isolated and substantially purified and the DNA that encodes the TNF inhibitory protein, vectors, host cells, and a recombinant method for producing the encoded protein are also set forth. It has the ability to inhibit: (a) the binding of TNF to its receptors, and (b) the cytotoxic effect of TNF. TNF Inhibitory Protein and salts, functional derivatives and active fractions thereof can be used to antagonize the deleterious effects of TNF.

Abstract: Human natural IFN-.beta.2/IL-6 receptor and its soluble extracellular fragment are provided in substantially purified form and are shown to stimulate and to enhance beneficial effects of IFN-.beta.2/IL-6, such as its antiproliferative activity. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies raised against the soluble fragment of the receptor are also provided.

Abstract: The hybridoma 34-1 (CNCM I-813) which produces anti-human IL-6 monoclonal antibody 34-1 is disclosed. Methods of producing the monoclonal antibody and methods for affinity purification of human IL-6 using monoclonal antibody 34-1 are also described.

Abstract: Soluble human IFN-gamma receptor extracellular fragment and salts, functional derivatives, precursors and active fractions thereof are provided in substantially purified form. They are useful as pharmaceutically active substances for protecting against the deleterious effects of IFN-gamma, e.g. in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A soluble LDL receptor protein is provided. It can be isolated from cells that have been treated with an interferon, isolated from the urine of healthy human individuals or produced by recombinant techniques. The soluble LDL receptor protein is useful in protection of mammals against viral infections.