Inhibitor of Endogenous Human Interferon-gamma

Abstract

Modified endogenous human interferon-gamma (hIFN-γ), biologically inactive but preserving binding affinity to the hIFN-γ receptor, has applicability in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, especially multiple sclerosis.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 : A method of inhibiting endogenous human interferon-γ (hIFN-γ) comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a modified hIFN-γ having preserved binding affinity for the hIFN-γ receptor and selected from the group consisting of (i) hIFN-γ having no tryptophan residue and (ii) recombinant hybrid protein hIFN-γ/hIFN-α (human interferon-α) wherein the 27 amino acids at the C-terminal end of hIFN-α replace the 27 amino acids at the C-terminal end of hIFN-γ. 
     
     
         24 : The method of  claim 23  wherein the modified hIFN-γ is the hIFN-γ having no tryptophan residue. 
     
     
         25 : The method of  claim 23  wherein the modified hIFN-γ is the recombinant hybrid protein hIFN-γ/hIFN-α wherein the 27 amino acids at the C-terminal end of hIFN-α replaces the 27 amino acids at the C-terminal end of hIFN-γ. 
     
     
         26 : The method of  claim 23  wherein inhibiting hIFN-γ is for the purpose of treating an autoimmune disease. 
     
     
         27 : The method of  claim 23  wherein inhibiting hIFN-γ is for the purpose of treating multiple sclerosis. 
     
     
         28 : The method of  claim 24  wherein inhibiting hIFN-γ is for the purpose of treating an autoimmune disease. 
     
     
         29 : The method of  claim 24  wherein inhibiting hIFN-γ is for the purpose of treating multiple sclerosis. 
     
     
         30 : The method of  claim 25  wherein inhibiting hIFN-γ is for the purpose of treating an autoimmune disease. 
     
     
         31 : The method of  claim 25  wherein inhibiting hIFN-γ is for the purpose of treating multiple sclerosis.