Methods of treating infections using il-21

Abstract

Methods for treating mammals with infections, particularly viral infections using molecules that have an IL-21 functional activity are described. The molecules having IL-21 functional activities include polypeptides that have homology to the human IL-21 polypeptide sequence and proteins fused to a polypeptide with IL-21 functional activity. The molecules can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other known antimicrobial or antiviral therapeutics.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 456,262, filed Jun. 6, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 387,127, filed on Jun. 7, 2002, and is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Cytokines generally stimulate proliferation or differentiation of cells of the hematopoietic lineage or participate in the immune and inflammatory response mechanisms of the body. Examples of cytokines which affect hematopoiesis are erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the development of red blood cells; thrombopoietin (TPO), which stimulates development of cells of the megakaryocyte lineage; and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), which stimulates development of neutrophils. These cytokines are useful in restoring normal blood cell levels in patients suffering from anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia or receiving c...

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