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

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 a West Nile virus infection in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 95% sequence identity to amino acid residues 20-200 of SEQ ID NO:4, and wherein after administration of the polypeptide the West Nile virus infection is reduced. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polypeptide is conjugated to a polyalkyl oxide moiety. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the polyalkyl oxide moiety is a polyethylene glycol. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:4, 20, 32, 34 or 38.