Methods for treating viral infection using IL-28 and IL-29
View Patent ↗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 viral infection comprising administering to an immunocompromised mammal with a hepatitis infection a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:34, wherein after administration of the polypeptide the hepatitis 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 hepatitis infection is a hepatitis B infection.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the hepatitis infection is a hepatitis C infection.