Methods for treating viral infection using il-28 and il-29 cysteine mutants

Abstract

IL-28A, IL-28B, IL-29, and certain mutants thereof have been shown to have antiviral activity on a spectrum of viral species. Of particular interest is the antiviral activity demonstrated on viruses that infect liver, such as hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. In addition, IL-28A, IL-28B, IL-29, and mutants thereof do not exhibit some of the antiproliferative activity on hematopoietic cells that is observed with interferon treatment. Without the immunosuppressive effects accompanying interferon treatment, IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 will be useful in treating immunocompromised patients for viral infections.

1 . A method of treating liver inflammation in a mammal, the method comprising: 
 administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 1-176 of SEQ ID NO:134.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polypeptide is a recombinant polypeptide.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the liver inflammation is associated with a viral infection.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polypeptide is conjugated to a polyalkyl oxide moiety.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the polyalkyl oxide moiety is polyethylene glycol.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the polyethylene glycol is monomethoxy-PEG propionaldehyde.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the monomethoxy-PEG propionaldehyde has a molecular weight of about 20 Kd or 30 Kd.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the monomethoxy-PEG propionaldehyde is linear or branched.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the monomethoxy-PEG propionaldehyde is conjugated N-terminally to the polypeptide.  
     
     
         10 . A method of treating liver inflammation in a mammal, the method comprising: 
 administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising: 
 an isolated polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 1-176 of SEQ ID NO:134; and  
 a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle; and  
   wherein after administration of the composition the liver inflammation is reduced.