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.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 098,662, filed Apr. 4, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 559,081, filed Apr. 2, 2004, 60 / 609,238, filed Sep. 13, 2004, and 60 / 634,144, filed Dec. 8, 2004, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Strategies for treating infectious disease often focus on ways to enhance immunity. For instance, the most common method for treating viral infection involves prophylactic vaccines that induce immune-based memory responses. Another method for treating viral infection includes passive immunization via immunoglobulin therapy (Meissner, J. Pediatr. 124:S17-21, 1994). Administration of Interferon alpha (IFN-α) is another method for treating viral infections such as genital warts (Reichman et al., Ann. Intern. Med. 108:675-9, 1988) and chronic viral infections like hepatitis C v...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text discusses the need for improved therapies for treating infectious diseases, particularly viral infections. The text highlights the limitations of current treatments, such as vaccines and antibodies, and the importance of considering factors like disease severity, patient health, and treatment cost and convenience when recommending a treatment. The text also focuses on chronic hepatitis, a common and severe viral infection that can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The text describes the prevalence of chronic hepatitis and the lack of effective treatments. The text also mentions the use of interferons, a type of cytokine, for treating chronic hepatitis and the limitations of this treatment. The patent text aims to provide better therapies for treating viral infections by targeting the immunological response to infection and developing new methods for inhibiting virus replication and reducing the risk of transmission.

Problems solved by technology

Although oftentimes efficacious, these methods have limitations in clinical use.

For instance, many viral infections are not amenable to vaccine development, nor are they treatable with antibodies alone.

In addition, IFN's are not extremely effective and they can cause significant toxicities; thus, there is a need for improved therapies.

Infected individuals are at high risk for developing liver cirrhosis, and eventually, hepatic cancer.

There are few effective treatments for hepatitis.

For example, treatment of autoimmune chronic hepatitis is generally limited to immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids.

However, IFN-α is associated with a number of dose-dependent adverse effects, including thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, bacterial infections, and influenza-like symptoms.

During seasonal epidemics most infants, children, and adults are at risk for infection or reinfection.