Abstract: Methods for enhancing the production of interferons in animal cell culture are described. These methods rely on the manipulation of the cellular levels of certain inducers of interferon production, in particular cellular levels of double-stranded-RNA-dependent kinase (dsRNA-PKR, or PKR). In cell cultures that overproduce PKR, interferon synthesis is induced to high levels, and significant amounts of interferon can be recovered without conventional induction of interferon by virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides interferon-alpha polypeptides and conjugates, and nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides. The invention also includes compositions comprising these polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids; cells containing or expressing the polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids; methods of making the polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids; and methods of using the polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel, purified and isolated IL-1 eta polypeptides and fragments thereof, the polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, peptides derived from these polypeptides, and uses thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for enhancing the production of biologically active proteins and peptides in bacterial cells by infecting bacterial cells of the producer strain, which contain a plasmid with one or more targeted genes, with bacteriophage &lgr; with or without the targeted gene(s). The phage increases synthesis of the targeted protein and induces lysis of the producer strain cells. Super-production is achieved by cultivating the producer strain cells under culture conditions that delay lytic development of the phage. The biologically active proteins and peptides subsequently accumulate in a soluble form in the culture medium as the cells of the producer strain are lysed by the phage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a gene upregulated by interferon-&agr; administration corresponding to the cDNA sequence set forth in SEQ. ID. No. 1 and SEQ. ID. No. 3. Determination of expression products of this gene is proposed ahaigutility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon-at and othe interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor. Therapeutic use of the protein encoded by the same gene is also envisaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to interferon variants with improved properties and methods for their use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for enhancing the production of biologically active proteins and peptides in bacterial cells by infecting bacterial cells of the producer strain, which contain a plasmid with one or more targeted genes, with bacteriophage &lgr; with or without the targeted gene(s). The targeted genes encoding the biologically active proteins are under the control of a T7 polymerase promoter and the bacteria also are capable of expressing the gene for T7 RNA polymerase. The phage increases synthesis of the targeted protein and induces lysis of the producer strain cells. Super-production is achieved by the combination of the high level of expression achieved from the T7 polymerase promoter and by cultivating the producer strain cells under culture conditions that delay lytic development of the phage. The biologically active proteins and peptides subsequently accumulate in a soluble form in the culture medium as the cells of the producer strain are lysed by the phage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for Zcyto21, an interferon-like protein, which is most closely related to interferon-&agr; at the amino acid sequence level. The present invention also includes antibodies to the Zcyto21 polypeptides, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention describes the production of interferon-&tgr; proteins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The antiviral and anticellular proliferation properties of these proteins and polypeptides are disclosed. One advantage of the proteins of the present invention is that they do not have cytotoxic side-effects when used to treat cells. Structure/function relationships for the interferon-&tgr; protein are also described. In one aspect, the invention includes ovine interferon-&tgr;. In another aspect the invention includes multiple forms of human interferon-&tgr;.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new polynucleotides derived from the nucleotide sequence of the IFN&agr;-5 gene comprising new SNPs, and new polypeptides derived from the natural wild-type IFN&agr;-5 protein comprising at least one mutation caused by at least one SNP of the invention as well as their therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new polynucleotides derived from the nucleotide sequence of the IFN&agr;-7 gene comprising new SNPs, and new polypeptides derived from the wild-type IFN&agr;-7 protein comprising at least one mutation caused by at least one SNP of the invention as well as their therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods of making soluble proteins having free cysteines in which a host cell is exposed to a cysteine blocking agent. The soluble proteins produced by the methods can then be modified to increase their effectiveness. Such modifications include attaching a PEG moiety to form pegylated proteins.

Abstract: A hybrid cytokine comprising the B-chain of hepatocyte growth factor and IL-7, linked by a linker molecule, having pre-pro-B growth stimulating activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new polynucleotides derived from the nucleotide sequence of the IFN&agr;-17 gene comprising new SNPs, and new polypeptides derived from the natural wild-type IFN&agr;-17 protein comprising at least one mutation caused by at least one SNP of the invention, as well as their therapeutic uses.

Abstract: Modified proteins, modified interferons &agr;'s and &bgr;'s, phosphorylated modified proteins and DNA sequences encoding the above, applications and uses thereof. Modified phosphorylated Hu-IFN-&agr;-like proteins are provided which carry an identifiable label such as a radio-label. Corresponding phosphorylatable Hu-IFN-&agr;-like proteins which contain a putative phosphorylation site. DNA sequences which encode a Hu-IFN-&agr;-like protein and contain a sequence encoding a putative phosphorylatable site. Appropriate expression vectors are used to transform compatible host cells of various microorganisms, such as E. coli. Numerous uses for the phosphorylated proteins are disclosed.

Abstract: A chicken interferon gene coding for the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 is disclosed. There is also disclosed a method of producing chicken interferon recombinantly, a method of isolating other non-mammalian interferon genes, a method of making a transgenic fowl having the chicken interferon gene incorporated therein, and method for delivery of the chicken interferon in the bird, such as by genetic immunization or aerosol. Expression of the gene coding for the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 yields functional chicken interferon.

Abstract: A novel human IFN-&agr; subtype and its derivative having an unprecedentedly high specific activity, DNA encoding these proteins, an expression vector having said DNA, a transformant transformed with said expression vector, a method of producing the above human IFN-&agr; and its derivative, and medical uses of the above human IFN-&agr; and its derivative.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants of recombinant human beta interferon and to a method for the production thereof, wherein at least one of the following amino acids Leu (5), Phe(8), Phe(15), Leu(47), Phe(50), Leu(106), Phe(111), Leu(116), Leu(120) and Phe(156) are exchanged with hydrophilic amino acid with a hydroxy group, specially serine, tyrosine or threonine, resulting in enhanced hydrophilic property of the protein surface.

Abstract: Alpha interferon homologues (both nucleic acids and polypeptides) are provided. Compositions including these interferon homologue polypeptides and nucleic acids, recombinant cells comprising said homologue polypeptides and nucleic acids, methods of making the new homologues, antibodies to the new homologues, and methods of using the homologues are provided. Integrated systems comprising the sequences of the nucleic acids or polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for systemically minimizing the inflammatory effects of TNF-&agr; are disclosed. The compositions include particles of bioactive glass with a particle size less than about 20 &mgr;m, alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory agents and other therapeutic agents. The compositions can include an appropriate carrier for oral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or intravenous administration. When administered to a patient, the particles bring about elevated levels of IL-6 and do not cause elevated levels of TNF-&agr;.

Abstract: An adenoviral vector including at least one DNA sequence encoding a clotting factor, such as, for example, Factor VIII, or Factor IX. Such vectors may be administered to a host in an amount effective to treat hemophilia in the host. The vectors infect hepatocytes very efficiently, whereby the hepatocytes express the DNA sequence encoding the clotting factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a gene upregulated by interferon-&agr; administration corresponding to the cDNA sequences set forth in SEQ. ID. No. 1 or in SEQ. ID. No. 3. Determination of expression products of this gene is proposed as having utility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon-&agr; and other interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor. Therapeutic use of the protein encoded by the same gene is also envisaged.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel human interferon-&egr;, originally designated PRO655, and its variants and derivatives. The novel interferon is related to but distinct from members of the IFN-&agr; family and from IFNs-&bgr; and -&ggr;. Nucleic acid encoding the novel polypeptide, and methods and means for their recombinant production and use are also included.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to identification of genes upregulated by interferon-&agr; administration, in particular the human genes corresponding to the cDNA sequences in GenBank designated g4586459, g2342476, g3327161 and g4529886. Determination of expression products of these genes is proposed as having utility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon-&agr; and other interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor. Therapeutic use of the proteins encoded by the same genes is also envisaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Synferon protein which is a member of the interferon family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding a synthetic interferon polypeptide, called “Synferon”. Synferon polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of Synferon activity. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating immune system-related disorders.

Abstract: Interferons represent an important class of biopharmaceutical products, which have a proven track record in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases, the treatment of particular cancers, and the enhancement of the immune response against infectious agents. To date, five types of interferons have been found in humans: interferon-&agr;, interferon-&bgr;, interferon-&ggr;, interferon-&ohgr;, and interferon-&egr;. The present invention provides a new form of human interferon, “Zinf2,” which has applications in diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and means of microbially producing, via recombinant DNA technology, mature human leukocyte interferons, useful in the treatment of viral and neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: When interferon gamma (IFNG) is produced in mammalian cell lines a heterogenous population of IFNG polypeptides is obtained due to C-terminal processing of the IFNG polypeptide. Clearly, this constitutes a severe problem in that valuable polypeptide material is lost and, further, it is necessary to carry out time-consuming and cumbersome purification in order to obtain a homogenous population of active IFNG polypeptides having the desired length. It has now been found that an IFNG fragment containing 132 amino acid residues (truncated at the nucleotide level by introducing a stop-codon after the codon encoding amino acid residue no. 132) does not undergo C-terminal truncation or, at least, is not significantly C-terminally truncated. Furthermore, as the IFNG fragment containing 132 amino acid residues is active, this opens up the possibility of producing a homogenous active IFNG polypeptide in eukaryotic host cells, such as CHO cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants of recombinant human beta interferon and to a method for the production thereof, wherein at least one of the following amino acids Leu(5), Phe(8), Phe(15), Leu(47), Phe(50), Leu(106), Phe(111), Leu(116), Leu(120) and Phe(156) is exchanged with hydrophilic amino acid with a hydroxy group, specially serine, tyrosine or threonine, resulting in enhanced hydrophilic property of the protein surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a method for screening a cytokine-like peptide, comprising searching for a peptide which binds to an antibody having an activity of neutralizing a cytokine and which is capable of expressing a biological activity of the cytokine from among peptides not confirmed as having the biological activity of the cytokine; a cytokine-like peptide obtained by the screening method; and a medicine comprising, as an active ingredient, the peptide.

Abstract: Interferons represent an important class of biopharmaceutical products, which have a proven track record in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases, the treatment of particular cancers, and the enhancement of the immune response against infectious agents. The present invention provides a new form of murine interferon-&agr;, which has applications in diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: Interferons represent an important class of biopharmaceutical products, which have a proven track record in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases, the treatment of particular cancers, and the enhancement of the immune response against infectious agents. To date, four types of interferons have been found in humans: interferon-&agr;, interferon-&bgr;, interferon-&ggr;, and interferon-&ohgr;. The present invention provides new forms of human and murine interferon, “interferon-&egr;,” which have applications in diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of producing a high level of secreted, highly biologically active recombinant human Interferon Alpha 1 in a cost effective manner in Pichia pastoris.

Abstract: Attenuated recombinant viruses containing DNA coding for a cytokine and/or a tumor associated antigen, as well as methods and compositions employing the viruses, are disclosed and claimed. The recombinant viruses can be NYVAC or ALVAC recombinant viruses. The DNA can code for at least on of: human tumor necrosis factor; nuclear phosphoprotein p53, wildtype or mutant; human melanoma-associated antigen; IL-2; IFN&ggr;; IL-4; GNCSF; IL-12; B7; erb-B-2 and carcinoembryonic antigen. The recombinant viruses and gene products therefrom are useful for cancer therapy.

Abstract: A method comprising administering a PEG12000-IFN alpha conjugate to an individual afflicted with a viral infection susceptible of treatment with interferon alpha, preferably chronic hepatitis C, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel interferon-beta activity (IbA) proteins and nucleic acids. The invention further relates to the use of the IbA proteins in the treatment of IFN-&bgr; related disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed is a DNA sequence encoding fusion protein comprising human IFN-beta and human TM-alpha1. Such fusion proteins have the valuable biological activity of both constituents and the characteristics of being unique to viral, neoplastic, multiple sclerosis and immunodeficiency diseases. These proteins are thus useful for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel mutant filamentous fungi which are deficient in the gene for the corresponding aspartic proteinase. These organisms are useful production hosts in the production of heterologous polypeptides such as chymosin.

Abstract: Interferons represent an important class of biopharmaceutical products, which have a proven track record in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases, the treatment of particular cancers, and the enhancement of the immune response against infectious agents. To date, four types of interferons have been found in humans: interferon-&agr;, interferon-&bgr;, interferon-&ggr;, and interferon-&ohgr;. The present invention provides new forms of human and murine interferon, “interferon-&egr;,” which have applications in diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, stable recombinant gamma interferons exhibiting in greater or less degree the antiviral and antiproliferative activity in humans and pH 2 labile properties characteristic of native human gamma interferon. The amino acid sequence of such an interferon comprises, from the N-terminus: X-Y-Asp . . . Thr   1   2       126 wherein X is a methionine residue or hydrogen and Y is a glutamine residue, or, where X is hydrogen, Y is either a glutamine or a pyroglutamate residue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel interferon gamma polypeptide variants having interferon gamma (IFNG) activity, methods for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide variants and their use in the treatment of diseases, in particular for the treatment of interstitial pulmonary diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel KDI protein which is a member of the interferon family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding a human interferon polypeptide, called “KDI”. KDI polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of KDI activity. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating immune system-related disorders.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel human interferon-&egr;, originally designated PRO655, and its variants and derivatives. The novel interferon is related to but distinct from members of the IFN-&agr; family and from IFNs-&bgr; and -&ggr;. Nucleic acid encoding the novel polypeptide, and methods and means for their recombinant production are also included.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and means of microbially producing, via recombinant DNA technology, mature human leukocyte interferons, useful in the treatment of viral and neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: Water-soluble polypeptides having high affinity for interferons &agr; and &bgr;; DNA sequences and expression cells; a preparation method therefor; drugs; compositions containing same; and uses thereof as a diagnostic agent or for producing antibodies.

Abstract: A fusion polypeptide is described having the amino acid sequence X—Y—Z, or portion thereof, comprising the amino acid sequence of a glycosylated interferon-beta (X); Y is an optional linker moiety; and Z is a polypeptide comprising at least a portion of a polypeptide other than glycosylated interferon-beta. It is preferred that X is human interferon-beta-1a. Mutants of interferon-beta-1a are also described.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are disclosed, comprising an alphavirus nonstructural protein gene which, when operably incorporated into a recombinant alphavirus particle, eukaryotic layered vector initiation system, or RNA vector replicon, has a reduced level of vector-specific RNA synthesis, as compared to wild-type, and the same or greater level of proteins encoded by RNA transcribed from the viral junction region promoter, as compared to a wild-type recombinant alphavirus particle. Also disclosed are RNA vector replicons, alphavirus vector constructs, and eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems which contain the above-identified nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: A fusion capsid protein comprising a plant virus capsid protein fused to an antigenic polypeptide is used as a molecule for presentation of that polypeptide to the immune system of an animal such as a human. The plant virus capsid protein is that of an alfalfa mosaic virus (AlMV) or ilarvirus.

Abstract: A peptide has an amino acid sequence having more than 80% homology with the amino acid sequence listed as SEQ ID NO:4. A nucleic acid molecule has more than 80% homology with one of the nucleic acid sequences listed as SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3. Ligands, anti-ligands, cells vectors relating to the peptide and/or nucleic acid molecule are also used.

Abstract: Distinct &agr;-, &bgr;- and &ggr;-interferon genes from various animal species have been identified, cloned and expressed to produce the corresponding non-human animal interferon proteins. Specifically disclosed are interferons of bovine, porcine, feline and rabbit origin.