METHODS FOR TREATING VIRAL INFECTION USING IL-28 AND IL-29

Abstract

d 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 divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/929,063, filed Oct. 30, 2007, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/548,487, filed Oct. 11, 2006, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/531,646, filed Sep. 13, 2006, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/691,923, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,135,170, filed Oct. 23, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/420,714, filed Oct. 23, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/463,939, filed Apr. 18, 2003, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/420,713, filed Oct. 23, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/463,982, filed Apr. 18, 2003, all of which are herein incorporated by reference.

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 virus (HCV) (Davis et al., New Engl. J. Med. 339:1493-9, 1998) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). For instance, IFN-α and IFN-β are critical for inhibiting virus replication (reviewed by Vilcek et al., (Eds.), Interferons and other cytokines. In Fields Fundamental Virology., 3^rd ed., Lippincott-Raven Publishers Philadelphia, Pa., 1996, pages 341-365). In response to viral infection, CD4+ T cells become activated and initiate a T-helper type I (TH1) response and the subsequent cascade required for cell-mediated immunity. That is, following their expansion by specific growth factors like the cytokine IL-2, T-helper cells stimulate antigen-specific CD8+T-cells, macrophages, and NK cells to kill virally infected host cells. 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.

[0003]Not all viruses and viral diseases are treated identically because factors, such as whether an infection is acute or chronic and the patient's underlying health, influence the type of treatment that is recommended. Generally, treatment of acute infections in immunocompetent patients should reduce the disease's severity, decrease complications, and decrease the rate of transmission. Safety, cost, and convenience are essential considerations in recommending an acute antiviral agent. Treatments for chronic infections should prevent viral damage to organs such as liver, lungs, heart, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal system, making efficacy the primary consideration.

[0004]Chronic hepatitis is one of the most common and severe viral infections of humans worldwide belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. Infected individuals are at high risk for developing liver cirrhosis, and eventually, hepatic cancer. Chronic hepatitis is characterized as an inflammatory liver disease continuing for at least six months without improvement. The majority of patients suffering from chronic hepatitis are infected with either chronic HBV, HCV or are suffering from autoimmune disease. The prevalence of HCV infection in the general population exceeds 1% in the United States, Japan, China and Southeast Asia.

[0005]Chronic HCV can progress to cirrhosis and extensive necrosis of the liver. Although chronic HCV is often associated with deposition of type I collagen leading to hepatic fibrosis, the mechanisms of fibrogenesis remain unknown. Liver (hepatic) fibrosis occurs as a part of the wound-healing response to chronic liver injury. Fibrosis occurs as a complication of haemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alcoholism, schistosomiasis, viral hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, toxin exposure, and metabolic disorders. This formation of scar tissue is believed to represent an attempt by the body to encapsulate the injured tissue. Liver fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix that can be distinguished qualitatively from that in normal liver. Left unchecked, hepatic fibrosis progresses to cirrhosis (defined by the presence of encapsulated nodules), liver failure, and death.

[0006]There are few effective treatments for hepatitis. For example, treatment of autoimmune chronic hepatitis is generally limited to immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids. For the treatment of HBV and HCV, the FDA has approved administration of recombinant IFN-α. However, IFN-α is associated with a number of dose-dependent adverse effects, including thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, bacterial infections, and influenza-like symptoms. Other agents used to treat chronic HBV or HCV include the nucleoside analog RIBAVIRIN® and ursodeoxycholic acid; however, neither has been shown to be very effective. RIBAVIRIN®+IFN combination therapy for results in 47% rate of sustained viral clearance (Lanford, R. E. and Bigger, C. Virology 293: 1-9 (2002). (See Medicine, (D. C. Dale and D. D. Federman, eds.) (Scientific American, Inc., New York), 4:VIII:1-8 (1995)).

[0007]Respiratory syncytial virus is the major cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infancy. RSV infects more than half of infants during their first year of exposure, and nearly all are infected after a second year. During seasonal epidemics most infants, children, and adults are at risk for infection or reinfection. Other groups at risk for serious RSV infections include premature infants, immune compromised children and adults, and the elderly. Symptoms of RSV infection range from a mild cold to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Respiratory syncytial virus has also been associated with acute otitis media and RSV can be recovered from middle ear fluid. Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) may be either lytic or latent, and are the causative agents in cold sores (HSV-1) and genital herpes, typically associated with lesions in the region of the eyes, mouth, and genitals (HSV-2). These viruses are a few examples of the many viruses that infect humans for which there are few adequate treatments available once infection has occurred.

[0008]The demonstrated activities of the IL-28 and IL-29 cytokine family provides methods for treating specific viral infections, in particular, liver specific viral infections. The activity of IL-28 and IL-29 also demonstrate that these cytokines provide methods for treating immunocompromised patients. The methods for these and other uses that should be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for treating viral infections comprising administering to a mammal with a viral infection causing liver inflammation a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acid residue 22 to residue 205, wherein after administration of the polypeptide the viral infection level or liver inflammation is reduced. In other embodiments, the methods comprise administering polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, or SEQ ID NO:36. In other embodiments, the polypeptide is conjugated to a polyalkyl oxide moiety, such as PEG. In another embodiment, a reduction in the viral infection level is measured as a decrease in viral load, an increase in antiviral antibodies, a decrease in serological levels of alanine aminotransferase or histological improvement. In another embodiment, the mammal is a human. In another embodiment, the present invention provides that the viral infection is a hepatitis B virus infection or a hepatitis C virus infection.

[0010]In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating a viral infection comprising administering to a mammal with a viral infection causing liver inflammation a therapeutically effective amount of polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:4 from amino acid residue 20 to residue 200, wherein after administration of the polypeptide the viral infection is reduced. In another embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, or SEQ ID NO:38. In another embodiment, the polypeptide is conjugated to a polyalkyl oxide moiety, such as PEG. In another embodiment, the reduction in the viral infection levels is measured as a decrease in viral load, an increase in antiviral antibodies, a decrease in serological levels of alanine aminotransferase or histological improvement. In another embodiment, the mammal is a human. In another embodiment, the viral infection is a hepatitis B virus infection or a hepatitis C virus infection.

[0011]In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for treating liver inflammation comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acid residue 22 to residue 205, wherein after administration of the polypeptide the liver inflammation is reduced. In one embodiment, the invention provides that the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30; SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26 or SEQ ID NO:36. In another embodiment, the polypeptide is conjugated to a polyalkyl oxide moiety, such as PEG. In another embodiment, the present invention provides that the reduction in the liver inflammation is measured as a decrease in serological level of alanine aminotransferase or histological improvement. In another embodiment, the mammal is a human. In another embodiment, the liver inflammation is associated with a hepatitis C virus infection or a hepatitis B virus infection.

[0012]In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating a viral infection comprising administering to an immunocompromised mammal with an viral infection a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acid residue 22 to amino acid residue 205, wherein after administration of the polypeptide the viral infection is reduced. In another embodiment, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30; SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26 or SEQ ID NO:36. In another embodiment, the polypeptide is conjugated to a polyalkyl oxide moiety, such as PEG. In another embodiment, a reduction in the viral infection level is measured as a decrease in viral load, an increase in antiviral antibodies, a decrease in serological levels of alanine aminotransferase or histological improvement. In another embodiment, the mammal is a human. In another embodiment, the present invention provides that the viral infection is a hepatitis B virus infection or a hepatitis C virus infection.

[0013]In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating a viral infection comprising administering to an immunocompromised mammal with a viral infection a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:4 from amino acid residue 20 to residue 200, wherein after administration of the polypeptide the viral infection is reduced. In other embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, or SEQ ID NO:38. In another embodiment, the polypeptide is conjugated to a polyalkyl oxide moiety, such as PEG. In another embodiment, the reduction in the viral infection levels is measured as a decrease in viral load, an increase in antiviral antibodies, a decrease in serological levels of alanine aminotransferase or histological improvement. In another embodiment, the mammal is a human. In another embodiment, the viral infection is a hepatitis B virus infection or a hepatitis C virus infection.

[0014]In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating liver inflammation comprising administering to an immunocompromised mammal with liver inflammation a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acid residue 22 to amino acid residue 205, wherein after administration of the polypeptide the liver inflammation is reduced. In another embodiment, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30; SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26 or SEQ ID NO:36. In another embodiment, the polypeptide is conjugated to a polyalkyl oxide moiety, such as PEG. In another embodiment, a reduction in the liver inflammation level is measured as a decrease in serological levels of alanine aminotransferase or histological improvement. In another embodiment, the mammal is a human. In another embodiment, the present invention provides that the viral infection is a hepatitis B virus infection or a hepatitis C virus infection.

[0015]In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating liver inflammation comprising administering to an immunocompromised mammal with liver inflammation a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:4 from amino acid residue 20 to residue 200, wherein after administration of the polypeptide the liver inflammation is reduced. In other embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, or SEQ ID NO:38. In another embodiment, the polypeptide is conjugated to a polyalkyl oxide moiety, such as PEG. In another embodiment, the reduction in the liver inflammation is measured as a decrease in serological levels of alanine aminotransferase or histological improvement. In another embodiment, the mammal is a human. In another embodiment, the viral infection is a hepatitis B virus infection or a hepatitis C virus infection.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016]Prior to setting forth the invention in detail, it may be helpful to the understanding thereof to define the following terms:

[0017]The term "affinity tag" is used herein to denote a polypeptide segment that can be attached to a second polypeptide to provide for purification or detection of the second polypeptide or provide sites for attachment of the second polypeptide to a substrate. In principal, any peptide or protein for which an antibody or other specific binding agent is available can be used as an affinity tag. Affinity tags include a poly-histidine tract, protein A (Nilsson et al., EMBO J. 4:1075, 1985; Nilsson et al., Methods Enzymol. 198:3, 1991), glutathione S transferase (Smith and Johnson, Gene 67:31, 1988), Glu-Glu affinity tag (Grussenmeyer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:7952-4, 1985), substance P, Flag® peptide (Hopp et al., Biotechnology 6:1204-10, 1988), streptavidin binding peptide, or other antigenic epitope or binding domain. See, in general, Ford et al., Protein Expression and Purification 2: 95-107, 1991. DNAs encoding affinity tags are available from commercial suppliers (e.g., Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, N.J.).

[0018]The term "allelic variant" is used herein to denote any of two or more alternative forms of a gene occupying the same chromosomal locus. Allelic variation arises naturally through mutation, and may result in phenotypic polymorphism within populations. Gene mutations can be silent (no change in the encoded polypeptide) or may encode polypeptides having altered amino acid sequence. The term allelic variant is also used herein to denote a protein encoded by an allelic variant of a gene.

[0019]The terms "amino-terminal" and "carboxyl-terminal" are used herein to denote positions within polypeptides. Where the context allows, these terms are used with reference to a particular sequence or portion of a polypeptide to denote proximity or relative position. For example, a certain sequence positioned carboxyl-terminal to a reference sequence within a polypeptide is located proximal to the carboxyl terminus of the reference sequence, but is not necessarily at the carboxyl terminus of the complete polypeptide.

[0020]The term "complement/anti-complement pair" denotes non-identical moieties that form a non-covalently associated, stable pair under appropriate conditions. For instance, biotin and avidin (or streptavidin) are prototypical members of a complement/anti-complement pair. Other exemplary complement/anti-complement pairs include receptor/ligand pairs, antibody/antigen (or hapten or epitope) pairs, sense/antisense polynucleotide pairs, and the like. Where subsequent dissociation of the complement/anti-complement pair is desirable, the complement/anti-complement pair preferably has a binding affinity of <10⁹ M^-1.

[0021]The term "degenerate nucleotide sequence" denotes a sequence of nucleotides that includes one or more degenerate codons (as compared to a reference polynucleotide molecule that encodes a polypeptide). Degenerate codons contain different triplets of nucleotides, but encode the same amino acid residue (i.e., GAU and GAC triplets each encode Asp).

[0022]The term "expression vector" is used to denote a DNA molecule, linear or circular, that comprises a segment encoding a polypeptide of interest operably linked to additional segments that provide for its transcription. Such additional segments include promoter and terminator sequences, and may also include one or more origins of replication, one or more selectable markers, an enhancer, a polyadenylation signal, etc. Expression vectors are generally derived from plasmid or viral DNA, or may contain elements of both.

[0023]The term "isolated", when applied to a polynucleotide, denotes that the polynucleotide has been removed from its natural genetic milieu and is thus free of other extraneous or unwanted coding sequences, and is in a form suitable for use within genetically engineered protein production systems. Such isolated molecules are those that are separated from their natural environment and include cDNA and genomic clones. Isolated DNA molecules of the present invention are free of other genes with which they are ordinarily associated, but may include naturally occurring 5' and 3' untranslated regions such as promoters and terminators. The identification of associated regions will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art (see for example, Dynan and Tijan, Nature 316:774-78, 1985).

[0024]An "isolated" polypeptide or protein is a polypeptide or protein that is found in a condition other than its native environment, such as apart from blood and animal tissue. In a preferred form, the isolated polypeptide is substantially free of other polypeptides, particularly other polypeptides of animal origin. It is preferred to provide the polypeptides in a highly purified form, i.e. greater than 95% pure, more preferably greater than 99% pure. When used in this context, the term "isolated" does not exclude the presence of the same polypeptide in alternative physical forms, such as dimers or alternatively glycosylated or derivatized forms.

[0025]The term "level" when referring to immune cells, such as NK cells, T cells, in particular cytotoxic T cells, B cells and the like, an increased level is either increased number of cells or enhanced activity of cell function.

[0026]The term "level" when referring to viral infections refers to a change in the level of viral infection and includes, but is not limited to, a change in the level of CTLs or NK cells (as described above), a decrease in viral load, an increase antiviral antibody titer, decrease in serological levels of alanine aminotransferase, or improvement as determined by histological examination of a target tissue or organ. Determination of whether these changes in level are significant differences or changes is well within the skill of one in the art.

[0027]The term "operably linked", when referring to DNA segments, indicates that the segments are arranged so that they function in concert for their intended purposes, e.g., transcription initiates in the promoter and proceeds through the coding segment to the terminator.

[0028]The term "ortholog" denotes a polypeptide or protein obtained from one species that is the functional counterpart of a polypeptide or protein from a different species. Sequence differences among orthologs are the result of speciation.

[0029]"Paralogs" are distinct but structurally related proteins made by an organism. Paralogs are believed to arise through gene duplication. For example, α-globin, β-globin, and myoglobin are paralogs of each other.

[0030]A "polynucleotide" is a single- or double-stranded polymer of deoxyribonucleotide or ribonucleotide bases read from the 5' to the 3' end. Polynucleotides include RNA and DNA, and may be isolated from natural sources, synthesized in vitro, or prepared from a combination of natural and synthetic molecules. Sizes of polynucleotides are expressed as base pairs (abbreviated "bp"), nucleotides ("nt"), or kilobases ("kb"). Where the context allows, the latter two terms may describe polynucleotides that are single-stranded or double-stranded. When the term is applied to double-stranded molecules it is used to denote overall length and will be understood to be equivalent to the term "base pairs". It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the two strands of a double-stranded polynucleotide may differ slightly in length and that the ends thereof may be staggered as a result of enzymatic cleavage; thus all nucleotides within a double-stranded polynucleotide molecule may not be paired.

[0031]A "polypeptide" is a polymer of amino acid residues joined by peptide bonds, whether produced naturally or synthetically. Polypeptides of less than about 10 amino acid residues are commonly referred to as "peptides".

[0032]The term "promoter" is used herein for its art-recognized meaning to denote a portion of a gene containing DNA sequences that provide for the binding of RNA polymerase and initiation of transcription. Promoter sequences are commonly, but not always, found in the 5' non-coding regions of genes.

[0033]A "protein" is a macromolecule comprising one or more polypeptide chains. A protein may also comprise non-peptidic components, such as carbohydrate groups. Carbohydrates and other non-peptidic substituents may be added to a protein by the cell in which the protein is produced, and will vary with the type of cell. Proteins are defined herein in terms of their amino acid backbone structures; substituents such as carbohydrate groups are generally not specified, but may be present nonetheless.

[0034]The term "receptor" denotes a cell-associated protein that binds to a bioactive molecule (i.e., a ligand) and mediates the effect of the ligand on the cell. Membrane-bound receptors are characterized by a multi-peptide structure comprising an extracellular ligand-binding domain and an intracellular effector domain that is typically involved in signal transduction. Binding of ligand to receptor results in a conformational change in the receptor that causes an interaction between the effector domain and other molecule(s) in the cell. This interaction in turn leads to an alteration in the metabolism of the cell. Metabolic events that are linked to receptor-ligand interactions include gene transcription, phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, increases in cyclic AMP production, mobilization of cellular calcium, mobilization of membrane lipids, cell adhesion, hydrolysis of inositol lipids and hydrolysis of phospholipids. In general, receptors can be membrane bound, cytosolic or nuclear; monomeric (e.g., thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, beta-adrenergic receptor) or multimeric (e.g., PDGF receptor, growth hormone receptor, IL-3 receptor, GM-CSF receptor, G-CSF receptor, erythropoietin receptor and IL-6 receptor).

[0035]The term "secretory signal sequence" denotes a DNA sequence that encodes a polypeptide (a "secretory peptide") that, as a component of a larger polypeptide, directs the larger polypeptide through a secretory pathway of a cell in which it is synthesized. The larger polypeptide is commonly cleaved to remove the secretory peptide during transit through the secretory pathway.

[0036]The term "splice variant" is used herein to denote alternative forms of RNA transcribed from a gene. Splice variation arises naturally through use of alternative splicing sites within a transcribed RNA molecule, or less commonly between separately transcribed RNA molecules, and may result in several mRNAs transcribed from the same gene. Splice variants may encode polypeptides having altered amino acid sequence. The term splice variant is also used herein to denote a protein encoded by a splice variant of an mRNA transcribed from a gene.

[0037]Molecular weights and lengths of polymers determined by imprecise analytical methods (e.g., gel electrophoresis) will be understood to be approximate values. When such a value is expressed as "about" X or "approximately" X, the stated value of X will be understood to be accurate to ±10%.

[0038]"zcyto20", "zcyto21", "zcyto22" are the previous designations for human IL-28A, IL-29, and IL-28B. IL-28A nucleotide and amino acid sequences are shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 17, 18, 35, 36. IL-28B nucleotide and amino acid sequences are shown in SEQ ID NOS: 5, 6,21, 22, 39, 40. IL-29 nucleotide and amino acid sequences are shown in SEQ ID NOS: 3, 4, 19, 20, 37, 38. These sequences are described in PCT application WO 02/086087 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/493,194, both commonly assigned to ZymoGenetics, Inc., incorporated herein by reference.

[0039]"zcyto24" and "zcyto25" are the previous designations for mouse IL-28A and IL-28B, and are shown in SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, 9, 10, respectively. The polynucleotide and polypeptides are fully described in PCT application WO 02/086087 commonly assigned to ZymoGenetics, Inc., incorporated herein by reference.

[0040]"zcytor19" is the previous designation for IL-28 receptor α-subunit, and is shown in SEQ ID NOS: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. The polynucleotides and polypeptides are described in PCT application WO 02/20569 on behalf of Schering, Inc., and WO 02/44209 assigned to ZymoGenetics, Inc and incorporated herein by reference. "IL-28 receptor" denotes the IL-28α-subunit and CRF2-4 subunit forming a heterodimeric receptor.

[0041]All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0042]We have previously reported the discovery of a new family of interferon-like molecules in PCT applications, PCT/US01/21087 and PCT/US02/12887, and Sheppard et al., Nature Immunol 4:63-68, 2003; herein all incorporated by reference. This new family includes molecules designated zcyto20 (SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2; 17 and 18), zcyto21 (SEQ ID NOS:3 and 4; 19 and 20), zcyto22 (SEQ ID NOS:5 and 6; 21 and 22), zcyto24 (SEQ ID NOS:7 and 8), zcyto25 (SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 10), where zcyto20, 21, and 22 are human sequences, and zcyto24 and 25 are mouse sequences. HUGO designations have been assigned to the interferon-like proteins. Zcyto20 has been designated IL-28A, zcyto22 has been designated IL-28B, zcyto21 has been designated IL-29, and will be referred to by the HUGO names hereafter. Kotenko et al., Nature Immunol. 4:69-77, 2003, have identified IL-28A as IFNλ2, IL-28B as IFNλ3, and IL-29 as IFNλ1. The receptor for these proteins, originally designated zcytor19 (SEQ ID NOS: 11 and 12), has been designated as IL-28RA by HUGO.

[0043]The present invention provides methods for using IL-28 and IL-29 as an antiviral agent in a broad spectrum of viral infections. In certain embodiments, the methods include using IL-28 and IL-29 in viral infections that are specific for liver, such as hepatitis. Furthermore, data indicate that IL-28 and IL-29 exhibit these antiviral activities without some of the toxicities associated with the use of IFN therapy for viral infection. One of the toxicities related to type I interferon therapy is myelosuppression. This is due to type I interferons suppression of bone marrow progenitor cells. Because IL-29 does not significantly suppress bone marrow cell expansion or B cell proliferation as is seen with IFN-α, IL-29 will have less toxicity associated with treatment. Similar results would be expected with IL-28A and IL-28B.

[0044]IFN-α may be contraindicated in some patients, particularly when doses sufficient for efficacy have some toxicity or myelosuppressive effects. Examples of patients for which IFN is contraindicated can include (1) patients given previous immunosuppressive medication, (2) patients with HIV or hemophilia, (3) patients who are pregnant, (4) patients with a cytopenia, such as leukocyte deficiency, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and (5) patients exhibiting increased levels of serum liver enzymes. Moreover, IFN therapy is associated with symptoms that are characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia. The result being that some populations of patients will not tolerate IFN therapy, and IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 can provide an alternative therapy for some of those patients.

[0045]The methods of the present invention comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of IL-28A, IL-28B, IL-29, or mutant of said molecules that have retained some biological activity associated with IL-28A, IL-28B or IL-29, alone or in combination with other biologics or pharmaceuticals. The present invention provides methods of treating a mammal with a chronic or acute viral infection, causing liver inflammation, thereby reducing the viral infection or liver inflammation. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating liver specific diseases, in particular liver disease where viral infection is in part an etiologic agent. These methods are based on the discovery that IL-28 and IL-29 have antiviral activity on hepatic cells.

[0046]As stated above, the methods of the present invention provide administering a therapeutically effective amount of IL-28A, IL-28B, IL-29, or mutant of said molecules that have retained some biological activity associated with IL-28A, IL-28B or IL-29, alone or in combination with other biologics or pharmaceuticals. The present invention provides methods of treatment of a mammal with a viral infection selected from the group consisting of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D. Other aspects of the present invention provide methods for using IL-28 or IL-29 as an antiviral agent in viral infections selected from the group consisting of respiratory syncytial virus, herpes virus, Epstein-Barr virus, influenza virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, rhino virus, coxsackie virus, vaccinia virus, west nile virus, dengue virus, venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, pichinde virus and polio virus. In certain embodiments, the mammal can have either a chronic or acute viral infection.

[0047]In another aspect, the methods of the present invention also include a method of treating a viral infection comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of IL-28A, IL-28B, IL-29, or mutant of said molecules that have retained some biological activity associated with IL-28A, IL-28B or IL-29, alone or in combination with other biologics or pharmaceuticals, to an immunocompromised mammal with a viral infection, thereby reducing the viral infection, such as is described above. All of the above methods of the present invention can also comprise the administration of zcyto24 or zcyto25 as well.

Description of IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 Polynucleotides and Polypeptides

[0048]An IL-28A gene encodes a polypeptide of 205 amino acids, as shown in SEQ ID NO:2. The signal sequence for IL-28A comprises amino acid residue 1 (Met) through amino acid residue 21 (Ala) of SEQ ID NO:2. The mature peptide for IL-28A begins at amino acid residue 22 (Val). A variant IL-28A gene encodes a polypeptide of 200 amino acids, as shown in SEQ ID NO:18. The signal sequence for IL-28A can be predicted as comprising amino acid residue -25 (Met) through amino acid residue -1 (Ala) of SEQ ID NO:18. The mature peptide for IL-28A begins at amino acid residue 1 (Val). IL-28A helices are predicted as follow: helix A is defined by amino acid residues 24 (Leu) to 40 (Glu); helix B by amino acid residues 58 (Thr) to 65 (Gln); helix C by amino acid residues 69 (Arg) to 85 (Ala); helix D by amino acid residues 95 (Val) to 114 (Ala); helix E by amino acid residues 126 (Thr) to 142 (Lys); and helix F by amino acid residues 148 (Cys) to 169 (Ala); as shown in SEQ ID NO: 18. When a polynucleotide sequence encoding the mature polypeptide is expressed in a prokaryotic system, such as E. coli, the a secretory signal sequence may not be required and the an N-terminal Met will be present, resulting in expression of a polypeptide such as is shown in SEQ ID NO:36.

[0049]The IL-29 gene encodes a polypeptide of 200 amino acids, as shown in SEQ ID NO:4. The signal sequence for IL-29 comprises amino acid residue 1 (Met) through amino acid residue 19 (Ala) of SEQ ID NO:4. The mature peptide for IL-29 begins at amino acid residue 20 (Gly). IL-29 has been described in published PCT application WO 02/02627. A variant IL-29 gene encodes a polypeptide of 200 amino acids, as shown in SEQ ID NO:20, where amino acid residue 169 is Asn instead of Asp. The signal sequence for IL-29 can be predicted as comprising amino acid residue -19 (Met) through amino acid residue -1 (Ala) of SEQ ID NO:20. The mature peptide for IL-29 begins at amino acid residue 1 (Gly). IL-29 has been described in PCT application WO 02/02627. IL-29 helices are predicted as follows: helix A is defined by amino acid residues 30 (Ser) to 44 (Leu); helix B by amino acid residues 57 (Asn) to 65 (Val); helix C by amino acid residues 70 (Val) to 85 (Ala); helix D by amino acid residues 92 (Glu) to 114 (Gln); helix E by amino acid residues 118 (Thr) to 139 (Lys); and helix F by amino acid residues 144 (Gly) to 170 (Leu); as shown in SEQ ID NO: 20. When a polynucleotide sequence encoding the mature polypeptide is expressed in a prokaryotic system, such as E. coli, the a secretory signal sequence may not be required and the an N-terminal Met will be present, resulting in expression of a polypeptide such as is shown in SEQ ID NO:38.

[0050]The IL-28B gene encodes a polypeptide of 205 amino acids, as shown in SEQ ID NO:6. The signal sequence for IL-28B comprises amino acid residue 1 (Met) through amino acid residue 21 (Ala) of SEQ ID NO:6. The mature peptide for IL-28B begins at amino acid residue 22 (Val). A variant IL-28B gene encodes a polypeptide of 200 amino acids, as shown in SEQ ID NO:22. The signal sequence for IL-28B can be predicted as comprising amino acid residue -21 (Met) through amino acid residue -1 (Ala) of SEQ ID NO:22. The mature peptide for IL-28B begins at amino acid residue 1 (Val). IL-28B helices are predicted as follow: helix A is defined by amino acid residues 8 (Leu) to 41 (Glu); helix B by amino acid residues 58 (Trp) to 65 (Gln); helix C by amino acid residues 69 (Arg) to 86 (Ala); helix D by amino acid residues 95 (Gly) to 114 (Ala); helix E by amino acid residues 126 (Thr) to 142 (Lys); and helix F by amino acid residues 148 (Cys) to 169 (Ala); as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. When a polynucleotide sequence encoding the mature polypeptide is expressed in a prokaryotic system, such as E. coli, the a secretory signal sequence may not be required and the an N-terminal Met will be present, resulting in expression of a polypeptide such as is shown in SEQ ID NO:40.

[0051]Zcyto24 gene encodes a polypeptide of 202 amino acids, as shown in SEQ ID NO:8. Zcyto24 secretory signal sequence comprises amino acid residue 1 (Met) through amino acid residue 28 (Ala) of SEQ ID NO:8. An alternative site for cleavage of the secretory signal sequence can be found at amino acid residue 24 (Thr). The mature polypeptide comprises amino acid residue 29 (Asp) to amino acid residue 202 (Val).

[0052]Zcyto25 gene encodes a polypeptide of 202 amino acids, as shown in SEQ ID NO:10. Zcyto25 secretory signal sequence comprises amino acid residue 1 (Met) through amino acid residue 28 (Ala) of SEQ ID NO:10. An alternative site for cleavage of the secretory signal sequence can be found at amino acid residue 24 (Thr). The mature polypeptide comprises amino acid residue 29 (Asp) to amino acid residue 202 (Val).

[0053]The present invention provides methods comprising administration of polypeptides having mutations in the IL-28 and IL-29 wildtype sequence that result in expression of single forms of the IL-28 or IL-29 molecule. Exemplary mutants are shown in SEQ ID NOS: 24, 28, and 32. When IL-28 and IL-29 are expressed in E. coli, an N-terminal Methionine is present. SEQ ID NOS: 26, 30 and 34 show the amino acid residue numbering for IL-28A and IL-29 mutants when the N-terminal Met is present. Table 1 shows the possible combinations of intramolecular disulfide bonded cysteine pairs for wildtype IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 IL-28A C₁₆-C₁₁₅ C₄₈-C₁₄₈ C₅₀-C₁₄₈ C₁₆7-C₁₇₄ C₁₆-C₄₈ C₁₆-C₅₀ C₄₈-C₁₁₅ C₅₀-C₁₁₅ C₁₁₅-C₁₄₈ SEQ ID NO: 18 Met IL- C₁₇-C₁₁₆ C₄₉-C₁₄₉ C₅₁-C₁₄₉₈ C₁₆8-C₁₇₅ C₁₇-C₄₉ C₁₇-C₅₁ C₄₉-C₁₁₆ C₅₁-C₁₁₆ C₁₁₆-C₁₄₉ 28A SEQ ID NO: 36 IL-29 C₁₅-C₁₁₂ C₄₉-C₁₄₅ C₁₁₂-C₁₇₁ SEQ ID NO: 20 Met IL-29 C₁₆-C₁₁₃ C₅₀-C₁₄₆ C₁₁₃-C₁₇₂ SEQ ID NO: 38 IL-28B C₁₆-C₁₁₅ C₄₈-C₁₄₈ C₅₀-C₁₄₈ C₁₆7-C₁₇₄ C₁₆-C₄₈ C₁₆-C₅₀ C₄₈-C₁₁₅ C₅₀-C₁₁₅ C₁₁₅-C₁₄₈ SEQ ID NO: 22 Met IL-28B C₁₇-C₁₁₆ C₄₉-C₁₄₉ C₅₁-C₁₄₉₈ C₁₆8-C₁₇₅ C₁₇-C₄₉ C₁₇-C₅₁ C₄₉-C₁₁₆ C₅₁-C₁₁₆ C₁₁₆-C₁₄₉ SEQ ID NO: 40

[0054]Conjugation of interferons with water-soluble polymers has been shown to enhance the circulating half-life of the interferon, and to reduce the immunogenicity of the polypeptide (see, for example, Nieforth et al., Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 59:636 (1996), and Monkarsh et al., Anal. Biochem. 247:434 (1997)). Suitable water-soluble polymers include polyethylene glycol (PEG), monomethoxy-PEG, mono-(C1-C10)alkoxy-PEG, aryloxy-PEG, poly-(N-vinyl pyrrolidone)PEG, tresyl monomethoxy PEG, PEG propionaldehyde, bis-succinimidyl carbonate PEG, propylene glycol homopolymers, a polypropylene oxide/ethylene oxide co-polymer, polyoxyethylated polyols (e.g., glycerol), polyvinyl alcohol, dextran, cellulose, or other carbohydrate-based polymers. Suitable PEG may have a molecular weight from about 600 to about 60,000, including, for example, 5,000, 12,000, 20,000 and 40,000. A Cysteine mutant IL-28 or IL-29 conjugate can also comprise a mixture of such water-soluble polymers.

[0055]One example of a IL-28 or IL-29 conjugate comprises a IL-28 or IL-29 moiety, or mutant thereof, and a polyalkyl oxide moiety attached to the N-terminus of the IL-28 or IL-29 moiety. PEG is one suitable polyalkyl oxide. As an illustration, IL-28 or IL-29 can be modified with PEG, a process known as "PEGylation." PEGylation of IL-28 or IL-29 can be carried out by any of the PEGylation reactions known in the art (see, for example, EP 0 154 316, Delgado et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems 9:249 (1992), Duncan and Spreafico, Clin. Pharmacokinet. 27:290 (1994), and Francis et al., Int J Hematol 68:1 (1998)). The methods of the present invention include administration of IL-28, IL-29, and mutants thereof conjugated to water-soluble polymers, such as PEG.

[0056]IL-28A, IL-29, IL-28B, zcyto24 and zcyto25, each have been shown to form a complex with the orphan receptor designated zcytor19 (IL-28RA). IL-28RA is described in a commonly assigned patent application PCT/US01/44808. IL-28B, IL-29, zcyto24, and zcyto25 have been shown to bind or signal through IL-28RA as well, further supporting that IL-28A, IL-29, IL-28B, zcyto24 and zcyto25 are members of the same family of cytokines. IL-28RA receptor is a class II cytokine receptor. Class II cytokine receptors usually bind to four-helix-bundle cytokines. For example, interleukin-10 and the interferons bind receptors in this class (e.g., interferon-gamma receptor, alpha and beta chains and the interferon-alpha/beta receptor alpha and beta chains).

[0057]Class II cytokine receptors are characterized by the presence of one or more cytokine receptor modules (CRM) in their extracellular domains. Other class II cytokine receptors include zcytor11 (commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,704), CRF2-4 (Genbank Accession No. Z17227), IL-10R (Genbank Accession Nos. U00672 and NM 001558), DIRS1, zcytor7 (commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,511), and tissue factor. IL-28RA, like all known class II receptors except interferon-alpha/beta receptor alpha chain, has only a single class II CRM in its extracellular domain.

[0058]Analysis of a human cDNA clone encoding IL-28RA (SEQ ID NO:11) revealed an open reading frame encoding 520 amino acids (SEQ ID NO:12) comprising a secretory signal sequence (residues 1 (Met) to 20 (Gly) of SEQ ID NO:12) and a mature IL-28RA cytokine receptor polypeptide (residues 21 (Arg) to 520 (Arg) of SEQ ID NO:12) an extracellular ligand-binding domain of approximately 206 amino acid residues (residues 21 (Arg) to 226 (Asn) of SEQ ID NO:12), a transmembrane domain of approximately 23 amino acid residues (residues 227 (Trp) to 249 (Trp) of SEQ ID NO:12), and an intracellular domain of approximately 271 amino acid residues (residues 250 (Lys) to 520 (Arg) of SEQ ID NO:12). Within the extracellular ligand-binding domain, there are two fibronectin type III domains and a linker region. The first fibronectin type III domain comprises residues 21 (Arg) to 119 (Tyr) of SEQ ID NO:12, the linker comprises residues 120 (Leu) to 124 (Glu) of SEQ ID NO:12, and the second fibronectin type III domain comprises residues 125 (Pro) to 223 (Pro) of SEQ ID NO:12.

[0059]In addition, a human cDNA clone encoding a IL-28RA variant with a 29 amino acid deletion was identified. This IL-28RA variant (as shown in SEQ ID NO:13) comprises an open reading frame encoding 491 amino acids (SEQ ID NO:14) comprising a secretory signal sequence (residues 1 (Met) to 20 (Gly) of SEQ ID NO:14) and a mature IL-28RA cytokine receptor polypeptide (residues 21 (Arg) to 491 (Arg) of SEQ ID NO:14) an extracellular ligand-binding domain of approximately 206 amino acid residues (residues 21 (Arg) to 226 (Asn) of SEQ ID NO:14, a transmembrane domain of approximately 23 amino acid residues (residues 227 (Trp) to 249 (Trp) of SEQ ID NO:14), and an intracellular domain of approximately 242 amino acid residues (residues 250 (Lys) to 491 (Arg) of SEQ ID NO:14).

[0060]A truncated soluble form of the IL-28RA receptor mRNA appears to be naturally expressed. Analysis of a human cDNA clone encoding the truncated soluble IL-28RA (SEQ ID NO:15) revealed an open reading frame encoding 211 amino acids (SEQ ID NO:16) comprising a secretory signal sequence (residues 1 (Met) to 20 (Gly) of SEQ ID NO:16) and a mature truncated soluble IL-28RA receptor polypeptide (residues 21 (Arg) to 211 (Ser) of SEQ ID NO:16) a truncated extracellular ligand-binding domain of approximately 143 amino acid residues (residues 21 (Arg) to 163 (Trp) of SEQ ID NO:16), no transmembrane domain, but an additional domain of approximately 48 amino acid residues (residues 164 (Lys) to 211 (Ser) of SEQ ID NO:16).

[0061]IL-28RA is a member of the same receptor subfamily as the class II cytokine receptors, and receptors in this subfamily may associate to form homodimers that transduce a signal. Several members of the subfamily (e.g., receptors that bind interferon, IL-10, IL-19, and IL-TIF) combine with a second subunit (termed a β-subunit) to bind ligand and transduce a signal. However, in many cases, specific β-subunits associate with a plurality of specific cytokine receptor subunits. For example, class II cytokine receptors, such as, zcytor11 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,704) and CRF2-4 receptor heterodimerize to bind the cytokine IL-TIF (See, WIPO publication WO 00/24758; Dumontier et al., J. Immunol. 164:1814-1819, 2000; Spencer, S D et al., J. Exp. Med. 187:571-578, 1998; Gibbs, V C and Pennica Gene 186:97-101, 1997 (CRF2-4 cDNA); Xie, M H et al., J. Biol. Chem. 275: 31335-31339, 2000). IL-10β receptor is believed to be synonymous with CRF2-4 (Dumoutier, L. et al., Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. 97:10144-10149, 2000; Liu Y et al, J Immunol 152; 1821-1829, 1994 (IL-10R cDNA). Therefore, one could expect that zcyto20, zcyto21, zcyto22, zcyto24 and zcyto25 would bind either monomeric, homodimeric, heterodimeric and multimeric zcytor19 receptors. Experimental evidence has identified CRF2-4 as the putative binding partner for IL-28RA.

[0062]Examples of biological activity for molecules used to identify IL-28 or IL-29 molecules that are useful in the methods of the present invention include molecules that can bind to the IL-28 receptor with some specificity. Generally, a ligand binding to its cognate receptor is specific when the K_D falls within the range of 100 nM to 100 pM. Specific binding in the range of 100 mM to 10 nM K_D is low affinity binding. Specific binding in the range of 2.5 pM to 100 pM K_D is high affinity binding. In another example, biologically active IL-28 or IL-29 molecules are capable of some level of antiviral activity associated with wildtype IL-28 or IL-29.

Use of IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 for Viral Infections

[0063]IL-28 and IL-29 can be used in treating liver specific diseases, in particular liver disease where viral infection is in part an etiologic agent. In particular IL-28 and IL-29 will be used to treat a mammal with a viral infection selected from the group consisting of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D. When liver disease is inflammatory and continuing for at least six months, it is generally considered chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients actively infected will be positive for HCV-RNA in their blood, which is detectable by reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. The methods of the present invention will slow the progression of the liver disease. Clinically, diagnostic tests for HCV include serologic assays for antibodies and molecular tests for viral particles. Enzyme immunoassays are available (Vrielink et al., Transfusion 37:845-849, 1997), but may require confirmation using additional tests such as an immunoblot assay (Pawlotsky et al., Hepatology 27:1700-1702, 1998). Qualitative and quantitative assays generally use polymerase chain reaction techniques, and are preferred for assessing viremia and treatment response (Poynard et al., Lancet 352:1426-1432, 1998; McHutchinson et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 339:1485-1492, 1998). Several commercial tests are available, such as, quantitative RT-PCR (Amplicor HCV Monitor®, Roche Molecular Systems, Branchburg, N.J.) and a branched DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) signal amplification assay (Quantiplex® HCV RNA Assay [bDNA], Chiron Corp., Emeryville, Calif.). A non-specific laboratory test for liver inflammation or necrosis measures alanine aminotransferase level (ALT) and is inexpensive and readily available (National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference Panel, Hepatology 26 (Suppl. 1):2S-10S, 1997). Histologic evaluation of liver biopsy is generally considered the most accurate means for determining hepatitis progression (Yano et al., Hepatology 23:1334-1340, 1996.) For a review of clinical tests for HCV, see, Lauer et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 345:41-52, 2001.

[0064]There are several in vivo models for testing HBV and HCV that are known to those skilled in art. For example, the effects of IL-28 or IL-29 on mammals infected with HBV can accessed using a woodchuck model. Briefly, woodchucks chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) develop hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma that is similar to disease in humans chronically infected with HBV. The model has been used for the preclinical assessment of antiviral activity. A chronically infected WHV strain has been established and neonates are inoculated with serum to provide animals for studying the effects of certain compounds using this model. (For a review, see, Tannant et al., ILAR J. 42 (2):89-102, 2001). Chimpanzees may also be used to evaluate the effect of IL-28 and IL-29 on HBV infected mammals. Using chimpanzees, characterization of HBV was made and these studies demonstrated that the chimpanzee disease was remarkably similar to the disease in humans (Barker et al., J. Infect. Dis. 132:451-458, 1975 and Tabor et al., J. Infect. Dis. 147:531-534, 1983.) The chimpanzee model has been used in evaluating vaccines (Prince et al., In: Vaccines 97 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1997.) Therapies for HIV are routinely tested using non-human primates infected with simian immunodeficiency viruses (for a review, see, Hirsch et al., Adv. Pharmcol. 49:437-477, 2000 and Nathanson et al., AIDS 13 (suppl. A):5113-5120, 1999.) For a review of use of non-human primates in HIV, hepatitis, malaria, respiratory syncytial virus, and other diseases, see, Sibal et al., ILAR J. 42 (2):74-84, 2001.

[0065]Other examples of the types of viral infections for which IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 can be useful include, but are not limited to: infections caused by DNA Viruses (e.g., Herpes Viruses such as Herpes Simplex viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus; Pox viruses such as Variola (small pox) virus; Hepadnaviruses (e.g, Hepatitis B virus); Papilloma viruses; Adenoviruses); RNA Viruses (e.g., HIV I, II; HTLV I, II; Poliovirus; Hepatitis A; Orthomyxoviruses (e.g., Influenza viruses); Paramyxoviruses (e.g., Measles virus); Rabies virus; Hepatitis C); Rhinovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, West Nile Virus, Yellow Fever, Rift Valley Virus, Lassa Fever Virus, Ebola Virus, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus, which replicates in tissues including liver, and the like. Moreover, examples of the types of diseases for which IL-28 and IL-29 could be used include, but are not limited to: Acquired immunodeficiency; Hepatitis; Gastroenteritis; Hemorrhagic diseases; Enteritis; Carditis; Encephalitis; Paralysis; Brochiolitis; Upper and lower respiratory disease; Respiratory Papillomatosis; Arthritis; Disseminated disease, hepatocellular carcinoma resulting from chronic Hepatitis C infection. In addition, viral disease in other tissues may be treated with IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29, for example viral meningitis, and HIV-related disease. For example, a transgenic model for testing the activity of a therapeutic sample is described in the following examples and described in Money, et al., Antiviral Ther., 3 (Suppl 3):59-68, 1998.

[0066]Animal models that are used to test for efficacy in specific viruses are known. For example, Dengue Virus can be tested using a model as such as described in Huang et al., J. Gen. Virol. September; 81(Pt 9):2177-82, 2000. West Nile Virus can be tested using the model as described in Xiao et al., Emerg. Infect. Dis. July-August; 7(4):714-21, 2001 or Mashimo et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. August 20; 99(17):11311-6, 2002. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus model is described in Jackson et al., Veterinary Pathology, 28 (5): 410-418, 1991; Vogel et al., Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. February; 120(2):164-72, 1996; Lukaszewski and Brooks, J. of Virology, 74(11):5006-5015, 2000. Rhinoviruses models are described in Yin and Lomax, J. Gen. Virol. 67 (Pt 11):2335-40, 1986. Models for respiratory syncytial virus are described in Byrd and Prince, Clin. Infect. Dis. 25(6):1363-8, 1997. Other models are known in the art and it is well within the skill of those ordinarily skilled in the art to know how to use such models.

[0067]IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 can be used in combination with antiviral agents, including those described above. Some of the more common treatments for viral infection include drugs that inhibit viral replication such as ACYCLOVIR®. In addition, the combined use of some of these agents form the basis for highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) used for the treatment of AIDS. Examples in which the combination of immunotherapy (i.e. cytokines) and antiviral drugs shows improved efficacy include the use of interferon plus RIBAVIRIN® for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection (Maddrey, Semin. Liver. Dis. 19 Suppl 1:67-75, 1999) and the combined use of IL-2 and HAART (Ross, et al, ibid.) Thus, as IL-28 and IL-29 can stimulate the immune system against disease, it can similarly be used in HAART applications.

[0068]In particular, IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 may be useful in monotherapy or combination therapy with IFN-α (with or without RIBAVIRIN®) in patients who do not respond well to IFN therapy. These patients may not respond to IFN therapy due to having less type I interferon receptor on the surface of their cells (Yatsuhashi H, et al., J Hepatol. Jun. 30(6):995-1003, 1999; Mathai et al., J Interferon Cytokine Res. Sep. 19(9):1011-8, 1999; Fukuda et al., J. Med. Virol. 63(3):220-7, 2001). IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 may also be useful in monotherapy or combination therapy with IFN-α (with or without RIBAVIRIN®) in patients who have less type I interferon receptor on the surface of their cells due to down-regulation of the type I interferon receptor after type I interferon treatment (Dupont et al., J. Interferon Cytokine Res. 22(4):491-501, 2002).

[0069]IL-28 or IL-29 can be used in combination with other immunotherapies including cytokines, immunoglobulin transfer, and various co-stimulatory molecules. In addition to antiviral drugs, IL-28, IL-29, or mutants thereof could be used in combination with any other immunotherapy that is intended to stimulate the immune system. Thus, IL-28, IL-29, or mutants thereof could be used with other cytokines such as Interferon or IL-2. IL-28, IL-29, or mutants thereof could also be added to methods of passive immunization that involve immunoglobulin transfer, one example bring the use of antibodies to treat RSV infection in high risk patients (Meissner HC, ibid.). In addition, IL-28, IL-29, or mutants thereof could be used with additional co-stimulatory molecules such as 4-1BB ligand that recognize various cell surface molecules like CD137 (Tan, J T et al., J. Immunol. 163:4859-68, 1999).

C. Use of IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 in Immunocompromised Patients

[0070]IL-28 and IL-29 can be used as a monotherapy for acute and chronic viral infections and for immunocompromised patients. Methods that enhance immunity can accelerate the recovery time in patients with unresolved infections. Immunotherapies can have an even greater impact on subsets of immunocompromised patients such as the very young or elderly as well as patients that suffer immunodeficiencies acquired through infection, or induced following medical interventions such as chemotherapy or bone marrow ablation. Examples of the types of indications being treated via immune-modulation include; the use of IFN-α for chronic hepatitis (Perry CM, and Jarvis B, Drugs 61:2263-88, 2001), the use of IL-2 following HIV infection (Mitsuyasu R., J. Infect. Dis. 185 Suppl 2:S115-22, 2002; and Ross R W et al., Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 1:413-24, 2001), and the use of either IFN-α (Faro A, Springer Semin. Immunopatho1.20:425-36, 1998) for treating Epstein Barr Virus infections following transplantation. Experiments performed in animal models indicate that IL-2 and GM-CSF may also be efficacious for treating EBV related diseases (Baiocchi R A et al., J. Clin. Invest. 108:887-94, 2001).

[0071]In summary, IL-28, IL-29, or mutants thereof can be used:

[0072]as a monotherapy for acute and chronic viral infections and for immunocompromised patients. Methods that enhance immunity can accelerate the recovery time in patients with unresolved infections.

[0073]in combination with other antiviral agents such as ACYCLOVIR®, interferon plus RIBAVIRIN®.

[0074]in combination with other immunotherapies including cytokines, immunoglobulin transfer, and various co-stimulatory molecules.

[0075]to treat a mammal with a chronic or acute viral infection that has resulted liver inflammation, thereby reducing the viral infection and/or liver inflammation. In particular IL-28 and IL-29 will be used to treat a mammal with a viral infection selected from the group consisting of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D.

[0076]as an antiviral agent in viral infections selected from the group consisting of respiratory syncytial virus, herpes virus, Epstein-Barr virus, influenza virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, rhino virus, coxsackie virus, vaccinia virus, west nile virus, dengue virus, venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, pichinde virus and polio virus.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Induction of IL-28A, IL-29, IL-28B by Poly IC and Viral Infection

[0077]Freshly isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were grown in the presence of polyinosinic acid-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C; 100 μg/ml) (SIGMA; St. Louis, Mo.), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) with an MOI of 0.1, or in medium alone. After a 15 h incubation, total RNA was isolated from cells and treated with RNase-free DNase. 100 ng total RNA was used as template for one-step RT-PCR using the Superscript One-Step RT-PCR with Platinum Taq kit and gene-specific primers as suggested by the manufacturer (Invitrogen).

[0078]Low to undetectable amounts of human IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29, IFN-α and IFN-β RNA were seen in untreated cells. In contrast, the amount of IL-28A, IL-29, IL-28B RNA was increased by both poly I:C treatment and viral infection, as was also seen for the type I interferons. These experiments indicate that IL-28A, IL-29, IL-28B, like type I interferons, can be induced by double-stranded RNA or viral infection.

Example 2

IL-28, IL-29 Signaling Activity Compared to IFNα in HepG2 Cells

A. Cell Transfections

[0079]HepG2 cells were transfected as follows: 700,000 HepG2 cells/well (6 well plates) were plated approximately 18 h prior to transfection in 2 milliliters DMEM+10% fetal bovine serum. Per well, 1 microgram pISRE-Luciferase DNA (Stratagene) and 1 microgram pIRES2-EGFP DNA (Clontech) were added to 6 microliters Fugene 6 reagent (Roche Biochemicals) in a total of 100 microliters DMEM. This transfection mix was added 30 minutes later to the pre-plated HepG2 cells. Twenty-four hours later the transfected cells were removed from the plate using trypsin-EDTA and replated at approximately 25,000 cells/well in 96 well microtiter plates. Approximately 18 h prior to ligand stimulation, media was changed to DMEM+0.5% FBS.

B. Signal Transduction Reporter Assays The signal transduction reporter assays were done as follows: Following an 18 h incubation at 37° C. in DMEM+0.5% FBS, transfected cells were stimulated with 100 ng/ml IL-28A, IL-29, IL-28B, zcyto24, zcyto25 and huIFN-α2a ligands. Following a 4-hour incubation at 37° degrees, the cells were lysed, and the relative light units (RLU) were measured on a luminometer after addition of a luciferase substrate. The results obtained are shown as the fold induction of the RLU of the experimental samples over the medium alone control (RLU of experimental samples/RLU of medium alone=fold induction). Table 2 shows that IL-28A, IL-29, IL-28B, zcyto24 and zcyto25 induce ISRE signaling in human HepG2 liver cells transfected with ISRE-luciferase.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Fold Induction of Cytokine-dependent ISRE Signaling in HepG2 Cells Cytokine Fold Inductn. IL-28A 5.6 IL-29 4 IL-28B 5.8 Zcyto24 4.7 Zcyto25 3 HuIFN-a2a 5.8

Example 3

IL-29 Antiviral Activity Compared to IFNα in HepG2 Cells

[0080]An antiviral assay was adapted for EMCV (American Type Culture Collection # VR-129B, Manassas, Va.) with human cells (Familletti, P., et al., Methods Enzym. 78: 387-394, 1981). Cells were plated with cytokines and incubated 24 hours prior to challenge by EMCV at a multiplicity of infection of 0.1 to 1. The cells were analyzed for viability with a dye-uptake bioassay 24 hours after infection (Berg, K., et al., Apmis 98: 156-162, 1990). Target cells were given MTT and incubated at 37° C. for 2 hours. A solubiliser solution was added, incubated overnight at 37° C. and the optical density at 570 nm was determined OD570 is directly proportional to antiviral activity.

[0081]The results show the antiviral activity when IL-29 and IFN on were tested with HepG2 cells: IL-29, IFN-β and IFN α-2a were added at varying concentration to HepG2 cells prior to EMCV infection and dye-uptake assay. The mean and standard deviation of the OD570 from triplicate wells is plotted. OD570 is directly proportional to antiviral activity. For IL-29, the EC50 was 0.60 ng/ml; for IFN-α2a, the EC50 was 0.57 ng/ml; and for IFN-β, the EC50 was 0.46 ng/ml.

Example 4

IL-28RA mRNA Expression in Liver and Lymphocyte Subsets

[0082]In order to further examine the mRNA distribution for IL-28RA, semi-quantitative RT-PCR was performed using the SDS 7900HT system (Applied Biosystems, CA). One-step RT-PCR was performed using 100 ng total RNA for each sample and gene-specific primers. A standard curve was generated for each primer set using Bjab RNA and all sample values were normalized to HPRT. The normalized results are summarized in Tables 2-4. The normalized values for IFNAR2 and CRF2-4 are also shown.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Table 3: B and T cells express significant levels of IL-28RA mRNA. Low levels are seen in dendritic cells and most monocytes. Cell/Tissue IL-28RA IFNAR2 CRF2-4 Dendritic Cells unstim .04 5.9 9.8 Dendritic Cells + IFNg .07 3.6 4.3 Dendritic Cells .16 7.85 3.9 CD14+ stim'd with LPS/IFNg .13 12 27 CD14+ monocytes resting .12 11 15.4 Hu CD14+ Unact. 4.2 TBD TBD Hu CD14+ 1 ug/ml LPS act. 2.3 TBD TBD H. Inflamed tonsil 3 12.4 9.5 H. B-cells + PMA/Iono 4 & 24 hrs 3.6 1.3 1.4 Hu CD19+ resting 6.2 TBD TBD Hu CD19+ 4 hr. PMA/Iono 10.6 TBD TBD Hu CD19+ 24 hr Act. PMA/Iono 3.7 TBD TBD IgD+ B-cells 6.47 13.15 6.42 IgM+ B-cells 9.06 15.4 2.18 IgD- B-cells 5.66 2.86 6.76 NKCells + PMA/Iono 0 6.7 2.9 Hu CD3+ Unactivated 2.1 TBD TBD CD4+ resting .9 8.5 29.1 CD4+ Unstim 18 hrs 1.6 8.4 13.2 CD4+ + Poly I/C 2.2 4.5 5.1 CD4+ + PMA/Iono .3 1.8 .9 CD3 neg resting 1.6 7.3 46 CD3 neg unstim 18 hrs 2.4 13.2 16.8 CD3 neg + Poly I/C 18 hrs 5.7 7 30.2 CD3 neg + LPS 18 hrs 3.1 11.9 28.2 CD8+ unstim 18 hrs 1.8 4.9 13.1 CD8+ stim'd with PMA/Ion 18 hrs .3 .6 1.1

[0083]As shown in Table 4, normal liver tissue and liver derived cell lines display substantial levels of IL-28RA and CRF2-4 mRNA.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Cell/Tissue IL-28RA IFNAR2 CRF2-4 HepG2 1.6 3.56 2.1 HepG2 UGAR May 10, 2002 1.1 1.2 2.7 HepG2, CGAT HKES081501C 4.3 2.1 6 HuH7 May 10, 2002 1.63 16 2 HuH7 hepatoma - CGAT 4.2 7.2 3.1 Liver, normal - CGAT 11.7 3.2 8.4 #HXYZ020801K Liver, NAT--Normal 4.5 4.9 7.7 adjacent tissue Liver, NAT--Normal 2.2 6.3 10.4 adjacent tissue Hep SMVC hep vein 0 1.4 6.5 Hep SMCA hep. Artery 0 2.1 7.5 Hep. Fibro 0 2.9 6.2 Hep. Ca. 3.8 2.9 5.8 Adenoca liver 8.3 4.2 10.5 SK-Hep-1 adenoca. Liver .1 1.3 2.5 AsPC-1 Hu. Pancreatic .7 .8 1.3 adenocarc. Hu. Hep. Stellate cells .025 4.4 9.7

[0084]As shown in Table 5, primary airway epithelial cells contain abundant levels of IL-28RA and CRF2-4.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Cell/Tissue IL-28RA IFNAR2 CRF2-4 U87MG - glioma 0 .66 .99 NHBE unstim 1.9 1.7 8.8 NHBE + TNF-alpha 2.2 5.7 4.6 NHBE + poly I/C 1.8 nd nd Small Airway Epithelial Cells 3.9 3.3 27.8 NHLF--Normal human lung 0 nd nd fibroblasts

[0085]As shown in Table 6, IL-28RA is present in normal and diseased liver specimens, with increased expression in tissue from Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B infected specimens.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Cell/Tissue IL-28RA CRF2-4 IFNAR2 Liver with Coagulation Necrosis 8.87 15.12 1.72 Liver with Autoimmune Hepatitis 6.46 8.90 3.07 Neonatal Hepatitis 6.29 12.46 6.16 Endstage Liver disease 4.79 17.05 10.58 Fulminant Liver Failure 1.90 14.20 7.69 Fulminant Liver failure 2.52 11.25 8.84 Cirrhosis, primary biliary 4.64 12.03 3.62 Cirrhosis Alcoholic (Laennec's) 4.17 8.30 4.14 Cirrhosis, Cryptogenic 4.84 7.13 5.06 Hepatitis C+, with cirrhosis 3.64 7.99 6.62 Hepatitis C+ 6.32 11.29 7.43 Fulminant hepatitis secondary to Hep A 8.94 21.63 8.48 Hepatitis C+ 7.69 15.88 8.05 Hepatitis B+ 1.61 12.79 6.93 Normal Liver 8.76 5.42 3.78 Normal Liver 1.46 4.13 4.83 Liver NAT 3.61 5.43 6.42 Liver NAT 1.97 10.37 6.31 Hu Fetal Liver 1.07 4.87 3.98 Hepatocellular Carcinoma 3.58 3.80 3.22 Adenocarcinoma Liver 8.30 10.48 4.17 hep. SMVC, hep. Vein 0.00 6.46 1.45 Hep SMCA hep. Artery 0.00 7.55 2.10 Hep. Fibroblast 0.00 6.20 2.94 HuH7 hepatoma 4.20 3.05 7.24 HepG2 Hepatocellular carcinoma 3.40 5.98 2.11 SK-Hep-1 adenocar. Liver 0.03 2.53 1.30 HepG2 Unstim 2.06 2.98 2.28 HepG2 + zcyto21 2.28 3.01 2.53 HepG2 + IFNα 2.61 3.05 3.00 Normal Female Liver - degraded 1.38 6.45 4.57 Normal Liver - degraded 1.93 4.99 6.25 Normal Liver - degraded 2.41 2.32 2.75 Disease Liver - degraded 2.33 3.00 6.04 Primary Hepatocytes from Clonetics 9.13 7.97 13.30

[0086]As shown in Tables 7-11, IL-28RA is detectable in normal B cells, B lymphoma cell lines, T cells, T lymphoma cell lines (Jurkat), normal and transformed lymphocytes (B cells and T cells) and normal human monocytes.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 HPRT IL-28RA IL-28RA IFNR2 CRF2-4 Mean Mean norm IFNAR2 norm CRF2-4 Norm CD14+ 24 hr unstim #A38 13.1 68.9 5.2 92.3 7.0 199.8 15.2 CD14+ 24 hr stim #A38 6.9 7.6 1.1 219.5 31.8 276.6 40.1 CD14+ 24 hr unstim #A112 17.5 40.6 2.3 163.8 9.4 239.7 13.7 CD14+ 24 hr stim #A112 11.8 6.4 0.5 264.6 22.4 266.9 22.6 CD14+ rest #X 32.0 164.2 5.1 1279.7 39.9 699.9 21.8 CD14+ + LPS #X 21.4 40.8 1.9 338.2 15.8 518.0 24.2 CD14+ 24 hr unstim #A39 26.3 86.8 3.3 297.4 11.3 480.6 18.3 CD14+ 24 hr stim #A39 16.6 12.5 0.8 210.0 12.7 406.4 24.5 HL60 Resting 161.2 0.2 0.0 214.2 1.3 264.0 1.6 HL60 + PMA 23.6 2.8 0.1 372.5 15.8 397.5 16.8 U937 Resting 246.7 0.0 0.0 449.4 1.8 362.5 1.5 U937 + PMA 222.7 0.0 0.0 379.2 1.7 475.9 2.1 Jurkat Resting 241.7 103.0 0.4 327.7 1.4 36.1 0.1 Jurkat Activated 130.7 143.2 1.1 Colo205 88.8 43.5 0.5 HT-29 26.5 30.5 1.2

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 HPRT SD IL-28RA SD Mono 24 hr unstim #A38 0.6 2.4 Mono 24 hr stim #A38 0.7 0.2 Mono 24 hr unstim #A112 2.0 0.7 Mono 24 hr stim #A112 0.3 0.1 Mono rest #X 5.7 2.2 Mono + LPS #X 0.5 1.0 Mono 24 hr unstim #A39 0.7 0.8 Mono 24 hr stim #A39 0.1 0.7 HL60 Resting 19.7 0.1 HL60 + PMA 0.7 0.4 U937 Resting 7.4 0.0 U937 + PMA 7.1 0.0 Jurkat Resting 3.7 1.1 Jurkat Activated 2.4 1.8 Colo205 1.9 0.7 HT-29 2.3 1.7

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Mean Mean Mean Mean Hprt IFNAR2 IL-28RA CRF CD3+/CD4+ 0 10.1 85.9 9.0 294.6 CD4/CD3+ Unstim 18 hrs 12.9 108.7 20.3 170.4 CD4+/CD3+ + 24.1 108.5 52.1 121.8 Poly I/C 18 hrs CD4+/CD3+ + 47.8 83.7 16.5 40.8 PMA/Iono 18 hrs CD3 neg 0 15.4 111.7 24.8 706.1 CD3 neg unstim 18 hrs 15.7 206.6 37.5 263.0 CD3 neg + Poly I/C 18 hrs 9.6 67.0 54.7 289.5 CD3 neg + LPS 18 hrs 14.5 173.2 44.6 409.3 CD8+ Unstim. 18 hrs 6.1 29.7 11.1 79.9 CD8+ + PMA/Iono 18 hrs 78.4 47.6 26.1 85.5 12.8.1 - NHBE Unstim 47.4 81.1 76.5 415.6 12.8.2 - NHBE + TNF-alpha 42.3 238.8 127.7 193.9 SAEC 15.3 49.9 63.6 426.0

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 IL-28RA CRF IFNAR2 IL-28RA CRF IFNAR2 Norm Norm Norm SD SD SD CD3+/CD4+ 0 0.9 29.1 8.5 0.1 1.6 0.4 CD4/CD3+ Unstim 18 hrs 1.6 13.2 8.4 0.2 1.6 1.4 CD4+/CD3+ + Poly I/C 18 hrs 2.2 5.1 4.5 0.1 0.3 0.5 CD4+/CD3+ + PMA/Iono 18 hrs 0.3 0.9 1.8 0.0 0.1 0.3 CD3 neg 0 1.6 46.0 7.3 0.2 4.7 1.3 CD3 neg unstim 18 hrs 2.4 16.8 13.2 0.4 2.7 2.3 CD3 neg + Poly I/C 18 hrs 5.7 30.2 7.0 0.3 1.7 0.8 CD3 neg + LPS 18 hrs 3.1 28.2 11.9 0.4 5.4 2.9 CD8+ Unstim. 18 hrs 1.8 13.1 4.9 0.1 1.1 0.3 CD8+ + PMA/Iono 18 hrs 0.3 1.1 0.6 0.0 0.1 0.0 12.8.1-NHBE Unstim 1.6 8.8 1.7 0.1 0.4 0.1 12.8.2-NHBE + TNF-alpha 3.0 4.6 5.7 0.1 0.1 0.1 SAEC 4.1 27.8 3.3 0.2 1.1 0.3

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 SD SD SD IL- Hprt IFNAR2 28RA SD CRF CD3+/CD4+ 0 0.3 3.5 0.6 12.8 CD4/CD3+ Unstim 18 hrs 1.4 13.7 1.1 8.5 CD4+/CD3+ + 1.3 9.8 1.6 3.4 Poly I/C 18 hrs CD4+/CD3+ + 4.0 10.3 0.7 3.7 PMA/Iono 18 hrs CD3 neg 0 1.4 16.6 1.6 28.6 CD3 neg unstim 18 hrs 2.4 16.2 2.7 12.6 CD3 neg + Poly I/C 18 hrs 0.5 7.0 1.0 8.3 CD3 neg + LPS 18 hrs 1.0 39.8 5.6 73.6 CD8+ Unstim. 18 hrs 0.2 1.6 0.5 6.1 CD8+ + PMA/Iono 18 hrs 1.3 1.7 0.2 8.1 12.8.1 - NHBE Unstim 2.4 5.6 2.7 2.8 12.8.2 - NHBE + TNF-alpha 0.5 3.4 3.5 3.4 SAEC 0.5 4.8 1.8 9.9

Example 5

Mouse IL-28 Does Not Effect Daudi Cell Proliferation

[0087]Human Daudi cells were suspended in RPMI+10% FBS at 50,000 cells/milliliter and 5000 cells were plated per well in a 96 well plate. IL-29-CEE (IL-29 conjugated with glu tag), IFN-γ or IFN-α2a was added in 2-fold serial dilutions to each well. IL-29-CEE was used at a concentration range of from 1000 ng/ml to 0.5 ng/ml. IFN-γ was used at a concentration range from 125 ng/ml to 0.06 ng/ml. IFN-α2a was used at a concentration range of from 62 ng/ml to 0.03 ng/ml. Cells were incubated for 72 h at 37° C. After 72 h. Alamar Blue (Accumed, Chicago, Ill.) was added at 20 microliters/well. Plates were further incubated at 37° C., 5% CO, for 24 hours. Plates were read on the Fmax® plate reader (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.) using the SoftMax® Pro program, at wavelengths 544 (Excitation) and 590 (Emission). Alamar Blue gives a fluourometric readout based on the metabolic activity of cells, and is thus a direct measurement of cell proliferation in comparison to a negative control. The results indicate that IL-29-CEE, in contrast to IFN-α2a, has no significant effect on proliferation of Daudi cells.

Example 6

Mouse IL-28 Does Not Have Antiproliferative Effect on Mouse B cells

[0088]Mouse B cells were isolated from 2 Balb/C spleens (7 months old) by depleting CD43+ cells using MACS magnetic beads. Purified B cells were cultured in vitro with LPS, anti-IgM or anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies. Mouse IL-28 or mouse IFNα was added to the cultures and ³H-thymidine was added at 48 hrs. and ³H-thymidine incorporation was measured after 72 hrs. culture.

[0089]IFNα at 10 ng/ml inhibited ³H-thymidine incorporation by mouse B cells stimulated with either LPS or anti-IgM. However mouse IL-28 did not inhibit ³H-thymidine incorporation at any concentration tested including 1000 ng/ml. In contrast, both mIFNα and mouse IL-28 increased ³H thymidine incorporation by mouse B cells stimulated with anti-CD40 MAb.

[0090]These data demonstrate that mouse IL-28 unlike IFNa displays no antiproliferative activity even at high concentrations. In addition, zcyto24 enhances proliferation in the presence of anti-CD40 MAbs. The results illustrate that mouse IL-28 differs from IFNα in that mouse IL-28 does not display antiproliferative activity on mouse B cells, even at high concentrations. In addition, mouse IL-28 enhances proliferation in the presence of anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies.

Example 7

Bone Marrow Expansion Assay

[0091]Fresh human marrow mononuclear cells (Poietic Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.) were adhered to plastic for 2 hrs in αMEM, 10% FBS, 50 micromolar β-mercaptoethanol, 2 ng/ml FLT3L at 37° C. Non adherent cells were then plated at 25,000 to 45,000 cells/well (96 well tissue culture plates) in αMEM, 10% FBS, 50 micromolar β-mercaptoethanol, 2 ng/ml FLT3L in the presence or absence of 1000 ng/ml IL-29-CEE, 100 ng/ml IL-29-CEE, 10 ng/ml IL-29-CEE, 100 ng/ml IFN-α2a, 10 ng/ml IFN-α2a or 1 ng/ml IFN-α2a. These cells were incubated with a variety of cytokines to test for expansion or differentiation of hematopoietic cells from the marrow (20 ng/ml IL-2, 2 ng/ml IL-3, 20 ng/ml IL-4, 20 ng/ml IL-5, 20 ng/ml IL-7, 20 ng/ml IL-10, 20 ng/ml IL-12, 20 ng/ml IL-15, 10 ng/ml IL-21 or no added cytokine). After 8 to 12 days Alamar Blue (Accumed, Chicago, Ill.) was added at 20 microliters/well. Plates were further incubated at 37° C., 5% CO, for 24 hours. Plates were read on the Fmax® plate reader (Molecular Devices Sunnyvale, Calif.) using the SoftMax® Pro program, at wavelengths 544 (Excitation) and 590 (Emission). Alamar Blue gives a fluourometric readout based on the metabolic activity of cells, and is thus a direct measurement of cell proliferation in comparison to a negative control.

[0092]IFN-α2a caused a significant inhibition of bone marrow expansion under all conditions tested. In contrast, IL-29 had no significant effect on expansion of bone marrow cells in the presence of IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12, IL-21 or no added cytokine. A small inhibition of bone marrow cell expansion was seen in the presence of IL-2 or IL-15.

Example 8

Inhibition of IL-28 and IL-29 Signaling with Soluble Receptor (zcytoR19/CRF2-4)

[0093]A. Signal Transduction Reporter Assay A signal transduction reporter assay can be used to show the inhibitor properties of zcytor19-Fc4 homodimeric and zcytor19-Fc/CRF2-4-Fc heterodimeric soluble receptors on zcyto20, zcyto21 and zcyto24 signaling. Human embryonal kidney (HEK) cells overexpressing the zcytor19 receptor are transfected with a reporter plasmid containing an interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) driving transcription of a luciferase reporter gene. Luciferase activity following stimulation of transfected cells with ligands (including zcyto20 (SEQ ID NO:18), zcyto21 (SEQ ID NO:20), zcyto24 (SEQ ID NO:8)) reflects the interaction of the ligand with soluble receptor.

B. Cell Transfections

[0094]293 HEK cells overexpressing zcytor19 were transfected as follows: 700,000 293 cells/well (6 well plates) were plated approximately 18 h prior to transfection in 2 milliliters DMEM+10% fetal bovine serum. Per well, 1 microgram pISRE-Luciferase DNA (Stratagene) and 1 microgram pIRES2-EGFP DNA (Clontech) were added to 6 microliters Fugene 6 reagent (Roche Biochemicals) in a total of 100 microliters DMEM. This transfection mix was added 30 minutes later to the pre-plated 293 cells. Twenty-four hours later the transfected cells were removed from the plate using trypsin-EDTA and replated at approximately 25,000 cells/well in 96 well microtiter plates. Approximately 18 h prior to ligand stimulation, media was changed to DMEM+0.5% FBS.

C. Signal Transduction Reporter Assays

[0095]The signal transduction reporter assays were done as follows: Following an 18 h incubation at 37° C. in DMEM+0.5% FBS, transfected cells were stimulated with 10 ng/ml zcyto20, zcyto21 or zcyto24 and 10 micrograms/ml of the following soluble receptors; human zcytor19-Fc homodimer, human zcytor19-Fc/human CRF2-4-Fc heterodimer, human CRF2-4-Fc homodimer, murine zcytor19-Ig homodimer. Following a 4-hour incubation at 37° C., the cells were lysed, and the relative light units (RLU) were measured on a luminometer after addition of a luciferase substrate. The results obtained are shown as the percent inhibition of ligand-induced signaling in the presence of soluble receptor relative to the signaling in the presence of PBS alone. Table 11 shows that the human zcytor19-Fc/human CRF2-4 heterodimeric soluble receptor is able to inhibit zcyto20, zcyto21 and zcyto24-induced signaling between 16 and 45% of control. The human zcytor19-Fc homodimeric soluble receptor is also able to inhibit zcyto21-induced signaling by 45%. No significant effects were seen with huCRF2-4-Fc or muzcytor19-Ig homodimeric soluble receptors.

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Percent Inhibition of Ligand-induced Interferon Stimulated Response Element (ISRE) Signaling by Soluble Receptors Huzcytor19- Fc/huCRF2- Huzcytor19- HuCRF2- Muzcytor19- Ligand 4-Fc Fc 4-Fc Ig Zcyto20 16% 92% 80% 91% Zcyto21 16% 45% 79% 103% Zcyto24 47% 90% 82% 89%

Example 9

IL-28 and IL-29 Inhibit HIV Replication in Fresh Human PBMCs

[0096]Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a pathogenic retrovirus that infects cells of the immune system. CD4 T cells and monocytes are the primary infected cell types. To test the ability of IL-28 and IL-29 to inhibit HIV replication in vitro, PBMCs from normal donors were infected with the HIV virus in the presence of IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29 C172S-PEG.

[0097]Fresh human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood obtained from screened donors who were seronegative for HIV and HBV. Peripheral blood cells were pelleted/washed 2-3 times by low speed centrifugation and resuspended in PBS to remove contaminating platelets. The washed blood cells were diluted 1:1 with Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (D-PBS) and layered over 14 mL of Lymphocyte Separation Medium ((LSM; Cellgro® by Mediatech, Inc. Herndon, Va.); density 1.078+/-0.002 g/ml) in a 50 mL centrifuge tube and centrifuged for 30 minutes at 600×G. Banded PBMCs were gently aspirated from the resulting interface and subsequently washed 2× in PBS by low speed centrifugation. After the final wash, cells were counted by trypan blue exclusion and resuspended at 1×10⁷ cells/mL in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 15% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), 2 mM L-glutamine, 4 μg/mL PHA-P. The cells were allowed to incubate for 48-72 hours at 37° C. After incubation, PBMCs were centrifuged and resuspended in RPMI 1640 with 15% FBS, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/mL penicillin, 100 μg/mL streptomycin, 10 μg/mL gentamycin, and 20 U/mL recombinant human IL-2. PBMCs were maintained in the medium at a concentration of 1-2×10⁶ cells/mL with biweekly medium changes until used in the assay protocol. Monocytes were depleted from the culture as the result of adherence to the tissue culture flask.

[0098]For the standard PBMC assay, PHA-P stimulated cells from at least two normal donors were pooled, diluted in fresh medium to a final concentration of 1×10⁶ cells/mL, and plated in the interior wells of a 96 well round bottom microplate at 50 μL/well (5×10⁴ cells/well). Test dilutions were prepared at a 2× concentration in microtiter tubes and 100 μL of each concentration was placed in appropriate wells in a standard format. IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG were added at concentrations from 0-10 μg/ml, usually in 1/2 log dilutions. 50 μL of a predetermined dilution of virus stock was placed in each test well (final MOI of 0.1). Wells with only cells and virus added were used for virus control. Separate plates were prepared identically without virus for drug cytotoxicity studies using an MTS assay system. The PBMC cultures were maintained for seven days following infection, at which time cell-free supernatant samples were collected and assayed for reverse transcriptase activity and p24 antigen levels.

[0099]A decrease in reverse transcriptase activity or p24 antigen levels with IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG would be indicators of antiviral activity. Result would demonstrate that IL-28 and IL-29 may have therapeutic value in treating HIV and AIDS.

Example 10

IL-28 and IL-29 Inhibit GBV-B Replication in Marmoset Liver Cells

[0100]HCV is a member of the Flaviviridae family of RNA viruses. HCV does not replicate well in either ex-vivo or in vitro cultures and therefore, there are no satisfactory systems to test the anti-HCV activity of molecules in vitro. GB virus B (GBV-B) is an attractive surrogate model for use in the development of anti-HCV antiviral agents since it has a relatively high level of sequence identity with HCV and is a hepatotropic virus. To date, the virus can only be grown in the primary hepatocytes of certain non-human primates. This is accomplished by either isolating hepatocytes in vitro and infecting them with GBV-B, or by isolating hepatocytes from GBV-B infected marmosets and directly using them with antiviral compounds.

[0101]The effects of IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG are assayed on GBV-B extracellular RNA production by TaqMan RT-PCR and on cytotoxicity using CellTiter96® reagent (Promega, Madison, Wis.) at six half-log dilutions IL-28, IL-29 or MetIL-29C172S-PEG polypeptide in triplicate. Untreated cultures serve as the cell and virus controls. Both RIBAVIRIN® (200 μg/ml at the highest test concentration) and IFN-α (5000 IU/ml at the highest test) are included as positive control compounds. Primary hepatocyte cultures are isolated and plated out on collagen-coated plates. The next day the cultures are treated with the test samples (IL-28, IL-29, MetIL-29C172S-PEG, IFNα, or RIBAVIRIN®) for 24 hr before being exposed to GBV-B virions or treated directly with test samples when using in vivo infected hepatocytes. Test samples and media are added the next day, and replaced three days later. Three to four days later (at day 6-7 post test sample addition) the supernatant is collected and the cell numbers quantitated with CellTiter96®. Viral RNA is extracted from the supernatant and quantified with triplicate replicates in a quantitative TaqMan RT-PCR assay using an in vitro transcribed RNA containing the RT-PCR target as a standard. The average of replicate samples is computed Inhibition of virus production is assessed by plotting the average RNA and cell number values of the triplicate samples relative to the untreated virus and cell controls. The inhibitory concentration of drug resulting in 50% inhibition of GBV-B RNA production (IC50) and the toxic concentration resulting in destruction of 50% of cell numbers relative to control values (TC50) are calculated by interpolation from graphs created with the data.

[0102]Inhibition of the GBV-B RNA production by IL-28 and 29 is an indication of the antiviral properties of IL-28 and IL-29 on this Hepatitis C-like virus on hepatocytes, the primary organ of infection of Hepatitis C, and positive results suggest that IL-28 or IL-29 may be useful in treating HCV infections in humans.

Example 11

IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG Inhibit HBV Replication in WT10 Cells

[0103]Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) is one of the most common and severe viral infections of humans belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. To test the antiviral activities of IL-28 and IL-29 against HBV, IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG were tested against HBV in an in vitro infection system using a variant of the human liver line HepG2. IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG inhibited viral replication in this system, suggesting therapeutic value in treating HBV in humans.

[0104]WT10 cells are a derivative of the human liver cell line HepG2 2.2.15. WT10 cells are stably transfected with the HBV genome, enabling stable expression of HBV transcripts in the cell line (Fu and Cheng, Antimicrobial Agents Chemother. 44(12):3402-3407, 2000). In the WT10 assay the drug in question and a 3TC control will be assayed at five concentrations each, diluted in a half-log series. The endpoints are TaqMan PCR for extracellular HBV DNA (IC50) and cell numbers using CellTiter96 reagent (TC50). The assay is similar to that described by Korba et al. Antiviral Res. 15(3):217-228, 1991 and Korba et al., Antiviral Res. 19(1):55-70, 1992. Briefly, WT10 cells are plated in 96-well microtiter plates. After 16-24 hours the confluent monolayer of HepG2-2.2.15 cells is washed and the medium is replaced with complete medium containing varying concentrations of a test samples in triplicate. 3TC is used as the positive control, while media alone is added to cells as a negative control (virus control, VC). Three days later the culture medium is replaced with fresh medium containing the appropriately diluted test samples. Six days following the initial addition of the test compound, the cell culture supernatant is collected, treated with pronase and DNAse, and used in a real-time quantitative TaqMan PCR assay. The PCR-amplified HBV DNA is detected in real-time by monitoring increases in fluorescence signals that result from the exonucleolytic degradation of a quenched fluorescent probe molecule that hybridizes to the amplified HBV DNA. For each PCR amplification, a standard curve is simultaneously generated using dilutions of purified HBV DNA. Antiviral activity is calculated from the reduction in HBV DNA levels (IC₅₀). A dye uptake assay is then employed to measure cell viability which is used to calculate toxicity (TC₅₀). The therapeutic index (TI) is calculated as TC₅₀/IC₅₀.

[0105]IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG inhibited HepB viral replication in WT10 cells with an IC50<0.032 ug/ml. This demonstrates antiviral activity of IL-28 and IL-29 against HBV grown in liver cell lines, providing evidence of therapeutic value for treating HBV in human patients.

Example 12

IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG Inhibit BVDV Replication in Bovine Kidney Cells

[0106]HCV is a member of the Flaviviridae family of RNA viruses. Other viruses belonging to this family are the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and yellow fever virus (YFV). HCV does not replicate well in either ex vivo or in vitro cultures and therefore there are no systems to test anti-HCV activity in vitro. The BVDV and YFV assays are used as surrogate viruses for HCV to test the antiviral activities against the Flavivirida family of viruses.

[0107]The antiviral effects of IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG were assessed in inhibition of cytopathic effect assays (CPE). The assay measured cell death using Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (MDBK) after infection with cytopathic BVDV virus and the inhibition of cell death by addition of IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG. The MDBK cells were propagated in Dulbecco's modified essential medium (DMEM) containing phenol red with 10% horse serum, 1% glutamine and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. CPE inhibition assays were performed in DMEM without phenol red with 2% FBS, 1% glutamine and 1% Pen-Strep. On the day preceding the assays, cells were trypsinized (1% trypsin-EDTA), washed, counted and plated out at 10⁴ cells/well in a 96-well flat-bottom BioCoat® plates (Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, Pa.) in a volume of 100 μL/well. The next day, the medium was removed and a pre-titered aliquot of virus was added to the cells. The amount of virus was the maximum dilution that would yield complete cell killing (>80%) at the time of maximal CPE development (day 7 for BVDV). Cell viability was determined using a CellTiter96® reagent (Promega) according to the manufacturer's protocol, using a Vmax plate reader (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.). Test samples were tested at six concentrations each, diluted in assay medium in a half-log series. IFNa and RIBAVIRIN® were used as positive controls. Test sample were added at the time of viral infection. The average background and sample color-corrected data for percent CPE reduction and percent cell viability at each concentration were determined relative to controls and the IC₅₀ calculated relative to the TC₅₀.

[0108]IL-28, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG inhibited cell death induced by BVDV in MDBK bovine kidney cells. IL-28 inhibited cell death with an IC₅₀ of 0.02 μg/ml, IL-29 inhibited cell death with an IC₅₀ of 0.19 μg/ml, and MetIL-29C172S-PEG inhibited cell death with an IC₅₀ of 0.45 μg/ml. This demonstrated that IL-28 and IL-29 have antiviral activity against the Flavivirida family of viruses.

Example 13

Induction of Interferon Stimulated Genes by IL-28 and IL-29

A. Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

[0109]Freshly isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were grown in the presence of IL-29 (20 ng/mL), IFNα2a (2 ng/ml) (PBL Biomedical Labs, Piscataway, N.J.), or in medium alone. Cells were incubated for 6, 24, 48, or 72 hours, and then total RNA was isolated and treated with RNase-free DNase. 100 ng total RNA was used as a template for One-Step Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR® using Taqman One-Step RT-PCR Master Mix® Reagents and gene specific primers as suggested by the manufacturer. (Applied Biosystems, Branchburg, N.J.) Results were normalized to HPRT and are shown as the fold induction over the medium alone control for each time-point. Table 13 shows that IL-29 induces Interferon Stimulated Gene Expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells at all time-points tested.

TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 MxA Fold Pkr Fold OAS Fold induction Induction Induction 6 hr IL29 3.1 2.1 2.5 6 hr IFNα2a 17.2 9.6 16.2 24 hr IL29 19.2 5.0 8.8 24 hr IFNα2a 57.2 9.4 22.3 48 hr IL29 7.9 3.5 3.3 48 hr IFNα2a 18.1 5.0 17.3 72 hr IL29 9.4 3.7 9.6 72 hr IFNα2a 29.9 6.4 47.3

B. Activated Human T Cells

[0110]Human T cells were isolated by negative selection from freshly harvested peripheral blood mononuclear cells using the Pan T-cell Isolation® kit according to manufacturer's instructions (Miltenyi, Auburn, Calif.). T cells were then activated and expanded for 5 days with plate-bound anti-CD3, soluble anti-CD28 (0.5 ug/ml), (Pharmingen, San Diego, Calif.) and Interleukin 2 (IL-2; 100 U/ml) (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn.), washed and then expanded for a further 5 days with IL-2. Following activation and expansion, cells were stimulated with IL-28A (20 ng/ml), IL-29 (20 ng/ml), or medium alone for 3, 6, or 18 hours. Total RNA was isolated and treated with RNase-Free DNase. One-Step Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR® was performed as described in the example above. Results were normalized to HPRT and are shown as the fold induction over the medium alone control for each time-point. Table 14 shows that IL-28 and IL-29 induce Interferon Stimulated Gene expression in activated human T cells at all time-points tested.

TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 MxA Fold Pkr Fold OAS Fold Induction Induction Induction Donor #1 3 hr IL28 5.2 2.8 4.8 Donor #1 3 hr IL29 5.0 3.5 6.0 Donor #1 6 hr IL28 5.5 2.2 3.0 Donor #1 6 hr IL29 6.4 2.2 3.7 Donor #1 18 hr IL28 4.6 4.8 4.0 Donor #1 18 hr IL29 5.0 3.8 4.1 Donor #2 3 hr IL28 5.7 2.2 3.5 Donor #2 3 hr IL29 6.2 2.8 4.7 Donor #2 6 hr IL28 7.3 1.9 4.4 Donor #2 6 hr IL29 8.7 2.6 4.9 Donor #2 18 hr IL28 4.7 2.3 3.6 Donor #2 18 hr IL29 4.9 2.1 3.8

C. Primary Human Hepatocytes

[0111]Freshly isolated human hepatocytes from two separate donors (Cambrex, Baltimore, Md. and CellzDirect, Tucson, Ariz.) were stimulated with IL-28A (50 ng/ml), IL-29 (50 ng/ml), IFNα2a (50 ng/ml), or medium alone for 24 hours. Following stimulation, total RNA was isolated and treated with RNase-Free DNase. One-step semi-quantitative RT-PCR was performed as described previously in the example above. Results were normalized to HPRT and are shown as the fold induction over the medium alone control for each time-point. Table 15 shows that IL-28 and IL-29 induce Interferon Stimulated Gene expression in primary human hepatocytes following 24-hour stimulation.

TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 MxA Fold Pkr Fold OAS Fold Induction Induction Induction Donor #1 IL28 31.4 6.4 30.4 Donor #1 IL29 31.8 5.2 27.8 Donor #1 IFN-α2a 63.4 8.2 66.7 Donor #2 IL28 41.7 4.2 24.3 Donor #2 IL29 44.8 5.2 25.2 Donor #2 IFN-α2a 53.2 4.8 38.3

D. HepG2 and HuH7: Human Liver Hepatoma Cell Lines

[0112]HepG2 and HuH7 cells (ATCC NOS. 8065, Manassas, Va.) were stimulated with IL-28A (10 ng/ml), IL-29 (10 ng/ml), IFNα2a (10 ng/ml), IFNB (1 ng/ml) (PBL Biomedical, Piscataway, N.J.), or medium alone for 24 or 48 hours. In a separate culture, HepG2 cells were stimulated as described above with 20 ng/ml of MetIL-29C172S-PEG or MetIL-29-PEG. Total RNA was isolated and treated with RNase-Free DNase. 100 ng Total RNA was used as a template for one-step semi-quantitative RT-PCR as described previously. Results were normalized to HPRT and are shown as the fold induction over the medium alone control for each time-point. Table 16 shows that IL-28 and IL-29 induce ISG expression in HepG2 and HuH7 liver hepatoma cell lines after 24 and 48 hours.

TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 16 MxA Fold Pkr Fold OAS Fold Induction Induction Induction HepG2 24 hr IL28 12.4 0.7 3.3 HepG2 24 hr IL29 36.6 2.2 6.4 HepG2 24 hr IFNα2a 12.2 1.9 3.2 HepG2 24 hr IFNβ 93.6 3.9 19.0 HepG2 48 hr IL28 2.7 0.9 1.1 HepG2 48 hr IL29 27.2 2.1 5.3 HepG2 48 hr IFNα2a 2.5 0.9 1.2 HepG2 48 hr IFNβ 15.9 1.8 3.3 HuH7 24 hr IL28 132.5 5.4 52.6 HuH7 24 hr IL29 220.2 7.0 116.6 HuH7 24 hr IFNα2a 157.0 5.7 67.0 HuH7 24 hr IFNβ 279.8 5.6 151.8 HuH7 48 hr IL28 25.6 3.4 10.3 HuH7 48 hr IL29 143.5 7.4 60.3 HuH7 48 hr IFNα2a 91.3 5.8 32.3 HuH7 48 hr IFNβ 65.0 4.2 35.7

TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 17 MxA Fold OAS Fold Pkr Fold Induction Induction Induction MetIL-29-PEG 36.7 6.9 2.2 MetIL-29C172S-PEG 46.1 8.9 2.8

[0113]Data shown is for 20 ng/ml metIL-29-PEG and metIL-29C172S-PEG versions of IL-29 after culture for 24 hours.

[0114]Data shown is normalized to HPRT and shown as fold induction over unstimulated cells.

Example 14

Antiviral Activity of IL-28 and IL-29 in HCV Replicon System

[0115]The ability of antiviral drugs to inhibit HCV replication can be tested in vitro with the HCV replicon system. The replicon system consists of the Huh7 human hepatoma cell line that has been transfected with subgenomic RNA replicons that direct constitutive replication of HCV genomic RNAs (Blight, K. J. et al. Science 290:1972-1974, 2000). Treatment of replicon clones with IFNα at 10 IU/ml reduces the amount of HCV RNA by 85% compared to untreated control cell lines. The ability of IL-28A and IL-29 to reduce the amount of HCV RNA produced by the replicon clones in 72 hours indicates the antiviral state conferred upon Huh7 cells by IL-28A/IL-29 treatment is effective in inhibiting HCV replicon replication, and thereby, very likely effective in inhibiting HCV replication.

[0116]The ability of IL-28A and IL-29 to inhibit HCV replication as determined by Bayer Branched chain DNA kit, is be done under the following conditions:

[0117]IL28 alone at increasing concentrations (6)* up to 1.0 μg/ml

[0118]IL29 alone at increasing concentrations (6)* up to 1.0 μg/ml

[0119]PEGIL29 alone at increasing concentrations (6)* up to 1.0 μg/ml

[0120]IFNα2A alone at 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 IU/ml

[0121]Ribavirin alone.

[0122]The positive control is IFNα and the negative control is ribavirin.

[0123]The cells are stained after 72 hours with Alomar Blue to assess viability.

[0124]*The concentrations for conditions 1-3 are:

[0125]μg/ml, 0.32 μg/ml, 0.10 μg/ml, 0.032 μg/ml, 0.010 μg/ml, 0.0032 μg/ml.

[0126]The replicon clone (BB7) is treated 1× per day for 3 consecutive days with the doses listed above. Total HCV RNA is measured after 72 hours.

Example 15

IL-28 and IL-29 Have Antiviral Activity Against Pathogenic Viruses

[0127]Two methods are used to assay in vitro antiviral activity of IL-28 and IL-29 against a panel of pathogenic viruses including, among others, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhino virus, coxsackie virus, influenza virus, vaccinia virus, west nile virus, dengue virus, venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, pichinde virus and polio virus. These two methods are inhibition of virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) determined by visual (microscopic) examination of the cells and increase in neutral red (NR) dye uptake into cells. In the CPE inhibition method, seven concentrations of test drug (log 10 dilutions, such as 1000, 100, 10, 1, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 ng/ml) are evaluated against each virus in 96-well flat-bottomed microplates containing host cells. The compounds are added 24 hours prior to virus, which is used at a concentration of approximately 5 to 100 cell culture infectious doses per well, depending upon the virus, which equates to a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.01 to 0.0001 infectious particles per cell. The tests are read after incubation at 37° C. for a specified time sufficient to allow adequate viral cytopathic effect to develop. In the NR uptake assay, dye (0.34% concentration in medium) is added to the same set of plates used to obtain the visual scores. After 2 h, the color intensity of the dye absorbed by and subsequently eluted from the cells is determined using a microplate autoreader. Antiviral activity is expressed as the 50% effective (virus-inhibitory) concentration (EC50) determined by plotting compound concentration versus percent inhibition on semilogarithmic graph paper. The EC50/IC50 data in some cases may be determined by appropriate regression analysis software. In general, the EC50s determined by NR assay are two- to fourfold higher than those obtained by the CPE method.

TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 18 Visual Assay SI Visual (IC50/ Virus Cell line Drug EC50 Visual IC50 Visual EC50) Adenovirus A549 IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Adenovirus A549 IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Adenovirus A549 MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 PEG Parainfluenza MA-104 IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus Parainfluenza MA-104 IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus Parainfluenza MA-104 MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus PEG Respiratory MA-104 IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 syncytial virus Respiratory MA-104 IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 syncytial virus Respiratory MA-104 MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 syncytial PEG virus Rhino 2 KB IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Rhino 2 KB IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Rhino 2 KB MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 PEG Rhino 9 HeLa IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Rhino 9 HeLa IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Rhino 9 HeLa MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 PEG Coxsackie KB IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 B4 virus Coxsackie KB IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 B4 virus Coxsackie KB MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 B4 virus PEG Influenza Maden- IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 (type A Darby [H3N2]) Canine Kidney Influenza Maden- IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 (type A Darby [H3N2]) Canine Kidney Influenza Maden- MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 (type A Darby PEG [H3N2]) Canine Kidney Influenza Vero IL-28A 0.1 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >100 (type A [H3N2]) Influenza Vero IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 (type A [H3N2]) Influenza Vero MetIL-29C172S- 0.045 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >222 (type A PEG [H3N2]) Vaccinia Vero IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus Vaccinia Vero IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus Vaccinia Vero MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus PEG West Nile Vero IL-28A 0.00001 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >1,000,000 virus West Nile Vero IL-29 0.000032 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >300,000 virus West Nile Vero MetIL-29C172S- 0.001 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >10,000 virus PEG Dengue virus Vero IL-28A 0.01 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >1000 Dengue virus Vero IL-29 0.032 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >312 Dengue virus Vero MetIL-29C172S- 0.0075 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >1330 PEG Venezuelan Vero IL-28A 0.01 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >1000 equine encephalitis virus Venezuelan Vero IL-29 0.012 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >833 equine encephalitis virus Venezuelan Vero MetIL-29C172S- 0.0065 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >1538 equine PEG encephalitis virus Pichinde BSC-1 IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus Pichinde BSC-1 IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus Pichinde BSC-1 MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus PEG Polio virus Vero IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Polio virus Vero IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Polio virus Vero MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 PEG

TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 19 Neutral Red Assay SI NR (IC50/ Virus Cell line Drug EC50 NR IC50 NR EC50) Adenovirus A549 IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Adenovirus A549 IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Adenovirus A549 MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 PEG Parainfluenza MA-104 IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus Parainfluenza MA-104 IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus Parainfluenza MA-104 MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus PEG Respiratory MA-104 IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 syncytial virus Respiratory MA-104 IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 syncytial virus Respiratory MA-104 MetIL-29C172S- 5.47 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >2 syncytial virus PEG Rhino 2 KB IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Rhino 2 KB IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Rhino 2 KB MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 PEG Rhino 9 HeLa IL-28A 1.726 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >6 Rhino 9 HeLa IL-29 0.982 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >10 Rhino 9 HeLa MetIL-29C172S- 2.051 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >5 PEG Coxsackie B4 KB IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus Coxsackie B4 KB IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus Coxsackie B4 KB MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 virus PEG Influenza (type Maden- IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 A [H3N2]) Darby Canine Kidney Influenza (type Maden- IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 A [H3N2]) Darby Canine Kidney Influenza (type Maden- MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 A [H3N2]) Darby PEG Canine Kidney Influenza (type Vero IL-28A 0.25 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >40 A [H3N2]) Influenza (type Vero IL-29 2 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >5 A [H3N2]) Influenza (type Vero MetIL-29C172S- 1.4 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >7 A [H3N2]) PEG Vaccinia virus Vero IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Vaccinia virus Vero IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Vaccinia virus Vero MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 PEG West Nile virus Vero IL-28A 0.0001 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >100,000 West Nile virus Vero IL-29 0.00025 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >40,000 West Nile virus Vero MetIL-29C172S- 0.00037 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >27,000 PEG Dengue virus Vero IL-28A 0.1 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >100 Dengue virus Vero IL-29 0.05 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >200 Dengue virus Vero MetIL-29C172S- 0.06 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >166 PEG Venezuelan Vero IL-28A 0.035 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >286 equine encephalitis virus Venezuelan Vero IL-29 0.05 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >200 equine encephalitis virus Venezuelan Vero MetIL-29C172S- 0.02 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >500 equine PEG encephalitis virus Pichinde virus BSC-1 IL-28A >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Pichinde virus BSC-1 IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Pichinde virus BSC-1 MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 PEG Polio virus Vero IL-28A >1.672 μg/ml >10 μg/ml >6 Polio virus Vero IL-29 >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 Polio virus Vero MetIL-29C172S- >10 μg/ml >10 μg/ml 0 PEG

Example 16

IL-28, IL-29, metIL-29-PEG and metIL-29C172S-PEG Stimulate ISG Induction in the Mouse Liver Cell Line AML-12

[0128]Interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) are genes that are induced by type I interferons (IFNs) and also by the IL-28 and IL-29 family molecules, suggesting that IFN and IL-28 and IL-29 induce similar pathways leading to antiviral activity. Human type I IFNs (IFNα1-4 and IFNβ) have little or no activity on mouse cells, which is thought to be caused by lack of species cross-reactivity. To test if human IL-28 and IL-29 have effects on mouse cells, ISG induction by human IL-28 and IL-29 was evaluated by real-time PCR on the mouse liver derived cell line AML-12.

[0129]AML-12 cells were plated in 6-well plates in complete DMEM media at a concentration of 2×10⁶ cells/well. Twenty-four hours after plating cells, human IL-28 and IL-29 were added to the culture at a concentration of 20 ng/ml. As a control, cells were either stimulated with mouse IFNα (positive control) or unstimulated (negative). Cells were harvested at 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours after addition of CHO-derived human IL-28A (SEQ ID NO:18) or IL-29 (SEQ ID NO:20). RNA was isolated from cell pellets using RNAEasy-kit® (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.). RNA was treated with DNase (Millipore, Billerica, Mass.) to clean RNA of any contaminating DNA. cDNA was generated using Perkin-Elmer RT mix. ISG gene induction was evaluated by real-time PCR using primers and probes specific for mouse OAS, Pkr and Mx1. To obtain quantitative data, HPRT real-time PCR was duplexed with ISG PCR. A standard curve was obtained using known amounts of RNA from IFN-stimulated mouse PBLs. All data are shown as expression relative to internal HPRT expression.

[0130]Human IL-28A and IL-29 stimulated ISG induction in the mouse hepatocyte cell line AML-12 and demonstrated that unlike type I IFNs, the IL-28/29 family proteins showed cross-species reactivity.

TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 20 Stimulation OAS PkR Mx1 None 0.001 0.001 0.001 Human IL-28 0.04 0.02 0.06 Human IL-29 0.04 0.02 0.07 Mouse IL-28 0.04 0.02 0.08 Mouse IFNα 0.02 0.02 0.01

[0131]All data shown were expressed as fold relative to HPRT gene expression ng of OAS mRNA=normalized value of OAS mRNA amount relative to internal

[0132]ng of HPRT mRNA housekeeping gene, HPRT

[0133]As an example, the data for the 48 hour time point is shown.

TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 21 AML12's Mx1 Fold OAS Fold Pkr Fold Induction Induction Induction MetIL-29-PEG 728 614 8 MetIL-29C172S-PEG 761 657 8

[0134]Cells were stimulated with 20 ng/ml metIL-29-PEG or metIL-29C172S-PEG for 24 hours.

[0135]Data shown is normalized to HPRT and shown as fold induction over unstimulated cells.

Example 17

ISGs are Efficiently Induced in Spleens of Transgenic Mice Expressing Human IL-29

[0136]Transgenic (Tg) mice were generated expressing human IL-29 under the control of the Eu-lck promoter. To study if human IL-29 has biological activity in vivo in mice, expression of ISGs was analyzed by real-time PCR in the spleens of Eu-lck IL-29 transgenic mice.

[0137]Transgenic mice (C3H/C57BL/6) were generated using a construct that expressed the human IL-29 gene under the control of the Eu-lck promoter. This promoter is active in T cells and B cells. Transgenic mice and their non-transgenic littermates (n=2/gp) were sacrificed at about 10 weeks of age. Spleens of mice were isolated. RNA was isolated from cell pellets using RNAEasy-kit® (Qiagen). RNA was treated with DNase to clean RNA of any contaminating DNA. cDNA was generated using Perkin-Elmer RT® mix. ISG gene induction was evaluated by real-time PCR using primers and probes (5' FAM, 3' NFQ) specific for mouse OAS, Pkr and Mx1. To obtain quantitative data, HPRT real-time PCR was duplexed with ISG PCR. Furthermore, a standard curve was obtained using known amounts of IFN stimulated mouse PBLs. All data are shown as expression relative to internal HPRT expression.

[0138]Spleens isolated from IL-29 Tg mice showed high induction of ISGs OAS, Pkr and Mx1 compared to their non-Tg littermate controls suggesting that human IL-29 is biologically active in vivo in mice.

TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 22 Mice OAS PkR Mx1 Non-Tg 4.5 4.5 3.5 IL-29 Tg 12 8 21

[0139]All data shown are fold expression relative to HPRT gene expression. The average expression in two mice is shown

Example 18

Human IL-28 and IL-29 Protein Induce ISG Gene Expression In Liver, Spleen and Blood of Mice

[0140]To determine whether human IL-28 and IL-29 induce interferon stimulated genes in vivo, CHO-derived human IL-28A and IL-29 protein were injected into mice. In addition, E. coli derived IL-29 was also tested in in vivo assays as described above using MetIL-29C172S-PEG and MetIL-29-PEG. At various time points and at different doses, ISG gene induction was measured in the blood, spleen and livers of the mice.

[0141]C57BL/6 mice were injected i.p or i.v with a range of doses (10 μg-250 μg) of CHO-derived human IL-28A and IL-29 or MetIL-29C172S-PEG and MetIL-29C16-C113-PEG. Mice were sacrificed at various time points (1 hr-48 hr). Spleens and livers were isolated from mice, and RNA was isolated. RNA was also isolated from the blood cells. The cells were pelleted and RNA isolated from pellets using RNAEasy®-kit (Qiagen). RNA was treated with DNase (Amicon) to rid RNA of any contaminating DNA. cDNA was generated using Perkin-Elmer RT mix (Perkin-Elmer). ISG gene induction was measured by real-time PCR using primers and probes specific for mouse OAS, Pkr and Mx1. To obtain quantitative data, HPRT real-time PCR was duplexed with ISG PCR. A standard curve was calculated using known amounts of IFN-stimulated mouse PBLs. All data are shown as expression relative to internal HPRT expression.

[0142]Human IL-29 induced ISG gene expression (OAS, Pkr, Mx1) in the livers, spleen and blood of mice in a dose dependent manner. Expression of ISGs peaked between 1-6 hours after injection and showed sustained expression above control mice up to 48 hours. In this experiment, human IL-28A did not induce ISG gene expression.

TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 23 Injection OAS-1 hr OAS-6 hr OAS-24 hr OAS-48 hr None - liver 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 IL-29 liver 2.5 4 2.5 2.8 None - spleen 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 IL-29 - spleen 4 6 3.2 3.2 None - blood 5 5 5 5 IL-29 blood 12 18 11 10

[0143]Results shown are fold expression relative to HPRT gene expression. A sample data set for IL-29 induced OAS in liver at a single injection of 250 μg i.v. is shown. The data shown is the average expression from 5 different animals/group.

TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 24 Injection OAS (24 hr) None 1.8 IL-29 10 μg 3.7 IL-29 50 μg 4.2 IL-29 250 μg 6

TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 25 MetIL-29-PEG MetIL-29C172S-PEG Naive 3 hr 6 hr 12 hr 24 hr 3 hr 6 hr 12 hr 24 hr 24 hr PKR 18.24 13.93 4.99 3.77 5.29 5.65 3.79 3.55 3.70 OAS 91.29 65.93 54.04 20.81 13.42 13.02 10.54 8.72 6.60 M x 1 537.51 124.99 33.58 35.82 27.89 29.34 16.61 0.00 10.98

[0144]Mice were injected with 100 μg of proteins i.v. Data shown is fold expression over HPRT expression from livers of mice. Similar data was obtained from blood and spleens of mice.

Example 19

IL-28 and IL-29 Induce ISG Protein In Mice

[0145]To analyze of the effect of human IL-28 and IL-29 on induction of ISG protein (OAS), serum and plasma from IL-28 and IL-29 treated mice were tested for OAS activity.

[0146]C57BL/6 mice were injected i.v with PBS or a range of concentrations (10 μg-250 μg) of human IL-28 or IL-29. Serum and plasma were isolated from mice at varying time points, and OAS activity was measured using the OAS radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit from Eiken Chemicals (Tokyo, Japan).

[0147]IL-28 and IL-29 induced OAS activity in the serum and plasma of mice showing that these proteins are biologically active in vivo.

TABLE-US-00026 TABLE 26 Injection OAS-1 hr OAS-6 hr OAS-24 hr OAS-48 hr None 80 80 80 80 IL-29 80 80 180 200

[0148]OAS activity is shown at pmol/dL of plasma for a single concentration (250 μg) of human IL-29.

Example 20

IL-28 and IL-29 Inhibit Adenoviral Pathology in Mice

[0149]To test the antiviral activities of IL-28 and IL-29 against viruses that infect the liver, the test samples were tested in mice against infectious adenoviral vectors expressing an internal green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. When injected intravenously, these viruses primarily target the liver for gene expression. The adenoviruses are replication deficient, but cause liver damage due to inflammatory cell infiltrate that can be monitored by measurement of serum levels of liver enzymes like AST and ALT, or by direct examination of liver pathology.

[0150]C57B1/6 mice were given once daily intraperitoneal injections of 50 μg mouse IL-28 (zcyto24 as shown in SEQ ID NO:9) or metIL-29C172S--PEG for 3 days. Control animals were injected with PBS. One hour following the 3^rd dose, mice were given a single bolus intravenous tail vein injection of the adenoviral vector, AdGFP (1×10⁹ plaque-forming units (pfu)). Following this, every other day mice were given an additional dose of PBS, mouse IL-28 or metIL-29C172S-PEG for 4 more doses (total of 7 doses). One hour following the final dose of PBS, mouse IL-28 or metIL-29C172S-PEG mice were terminally bleed and sacrificed. The serum and liver tissue were analyzed. Serum was analyzed for AST and ALT liver enzymes. Liver was isolated and analyzed for GFP expression and histology. For histology, liver specimens were fixed in formalin and then embedded in paraffin followed by H&E staining Sections of liver that had been blinded to treat were examined with a light microscope. Changes were noted and scored on a scale designed to measure liver pathology and inflammation.

[0151]Mouse IL-28 and IL-29 inhibited adenoviral infection and gene expression as measured by liver fluorescence. PBS-treated mice (n=8) had an average relative liver fluorescence of 52.4 (arbitrary units). In contrast, IL-28-treated mice (n=8) had a relative liver fluorescence of 34.5, and IL-29-treated mice (n=8) had a relative liver fluorescence of 38.9. A reduction in adenoviral infection and gene expression led to a reduced liver pathology as measured by serum ALT and AST levels and histology. PBS-treated mice (n=8) had an average serum AST of 234 U/L (units/liter) and serum ALT of 250 U/L. In contrast, IL-28-treated mice (n=8) had an average serum AST of 193 U/L and serum ALT of 216 U/L, and IL-29-treated mice (n=8) had an average serum AST of 162 U/L and serum ALT of 184 U/L. In addition, the liver histology indicated that mice given either mouse IL-28 or IL-29 had lower liver and inflammation scores than the PBS-treated group. The livers from the IL-29 group also had less proliferation of sinusoidal cells, fewer mitotic figures and fewer changes in the hepatocytes (e.g. vacuolation, presence of multiple nuclei, hepatocyte enlargement) than in the PBS treatment group. These data demonstrate that mouse IL-28 and IL-29 have antiviral properties against a liver-trophic virus.

Example 21

LCMV Models

[0152]Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infections in mice are an excellent model of acute and chronic infection. These models are used to evaluate the effect of cytokines on the antiviral immune response and the effects IL-28 and IL-29 have viral load and the antiviral immune response. The two models used are: LCMV Armstrong (acute) infection and LCMV Clone 13 (chronic) infection. (See, e.g., Wherry et al., J. Virol. 77:4911-4927, 2003; Blattman et al., Nature Med. 9(5):540-547, 2003; Hoffman et al., J. Immunol. 170:1339-1353, 2003.) There are three stages of CD8 T cell development in response to virus: 1) expansion, 2) contraction, and 3) memory (acute model). IL-28 or IL-29 is injected during each stage for both acute and chronic models. In the chronic model, IL-28 or IL-29 is injected 60 days after infection to assess the effect of IL-28 or IL-29 on persistent viral load. For both acute and chronic models, IL-28 or IL-29 is injected, and the viral load in blood, spleen and liver is examined. Other parameters that can be examined include: tetramer staining by flow to count the number of LCMV-specific CD8+ T cells; the ability of tetramer+ cells to produce cytokines when stimulated with their cognate LCMV antigen; and the ability of LCMV-specific CD8+ T cells to proliferate in response to their cognate LCMV antigen. LCMV-specific T cells are phenotyped by flow cytometry to assess the cells activation and differentiation state. Also, the ability of LCMV-specific CTL to lyse target cells bearing their cognate LCMV antigen is examined. The number and function of LCMV-specific CD4+T cells is also assessed.

[0153]A reduction in viral load after treatment with IL-28 or IL-29 is determined. A 50% reduction in viral load in any organ, especially liver, would be significant. For IL-28 or IL-29 treated mice, a 20% increase in the percentage of tetramer positive T cells that proliferate, make cytokine, or display a mature phenotype relative to untreated mice would also be considered significant.

[0154]IL-28 or IL-29 injection leading to a reduction in viral load is due to more effective control of viral infection especially in the chronic model where untreated the viral titers remain elevated for an extended period of time. A two fold reduction in viral titer relative to untreated mice is considered significant.

Example 22

Influenza Model of Acute Viral Infection

[0155]A. Preliminary Experiment to test antiviral activity.

[0156]To determine the antiviral activity of IL-28 or IL-29 on acute infection by Influenza virus, an in vivo study using influenza infected c57B1/6 mice is performed using the following protocol:

[0157]Animals: 6 weeks-old female BALB/c mice (Charles River) with 148 mice, 30 per group.

[0158]Groups:

[0159]Absolute control (not infected) to run in parallel for antibody titre and histopathology (2 animals per group)

[0160]Vehicle (i.p.) saline

[0161]Amantadine (positive control) 10 mg/day during 5 days (per os) starting 2 hours before infection

[0162]IL-28 or IL-29 treated (5 μg, i.p. starting 2 hours after infection)

[0163]IL-28 or IL-29 (25 μg, i.p. starting 2 hours after infection)

[0164]IL-28 or IL-29 (125 μg, i.p. starting 2 hours after infection)

[0165]Day 0--Except for the absolute controls, all animals infected with Influenza virus

[0166]For viral load (10 at LD50)

[0167]For immunology workout (LD30)

[0168]Day 0-9--daily injections of IL-28 or IL-29 (i.p.)

[0169]Body weight and general appearance recorded (3 times/week)

[0170]Day 3--sacrifice of 8 animals per group

[0171]Viral load in right lung (TCID50)

[0172]Histopathology in left lung

[0173]Blood sample for antibody titration

[0174]Day 10--sacrifice of all surviving animals collecting blood samples for antibody titration, isolating lung lymphocytes (4 pools of 3) for direct CTL assay (in all 5 groups), and quantitative immunophenotyping for the following markers: CD3/CD4, CD3/CD8, CD3/CD8/CD11b, CD8/CD44/CD62L, CD3/DX5, GR-1/F480, and CD19.

[0175]Study No. 2

[0176]Efficacy study of IL-28 or IL-29 in C57B1/6 mice infected with mouse-adapted virus is done using 8 weeks-old female C57B1/6 mice (Charles River).

[0177]Group 1: Vehicle (i.p.)

[0178]Group 2: Positive control: Anti-influenza neutralizing antibody (goat anti-influenza A/USSR(H1N1) (Chemicon International, Temecula, Calif.); 40 μg/mouse at 2 h and 4 h post infection (10 μl intranasal)

[0179]Group 3: IL-28 or IL-29 (5 μg, i.p.)

[0180]Group 4: IL-28 or IL-29 (25 μg, i.p.)

[0181]Group 5: IL-28 or IL-29 (125 μg, i.p.)

[0182]Following-life observations and immunological workouts are prepared:

[0183]Day 0--all animals infected with Influenza virus (dose determined in experiment 2)

[0184]Day 0-9--daily injections of IL-28 or IL-29 (i.p.)

[0185]Body weight and general appearance recorded every other day

[0186]Day 10--sacrifice of surviving animals and perform viral assay to determine viral load in lung.

[0187]Isolation of lung lymphocytes (for direct CTL assay in the lungs using EL-4 as targets and different E:T ratio (based on best results from experiments 1 and 2).

[0188]Tetramer staining: The number of CD8+ T cells binding MHC Class I tetramers containing influenza A nucleoprotein (NP) epitope are assessed using complexes of MHC class I with viral peptides: FLU-NP₃₆₆-374/D^b (ASNENMETM), (LMCV peptide/D^b).

[0189]Quantitative immunophenotyping of the following: CD8, tetramer, intracellular IFNγ, NK1.1, CD8, tetramer, CD62L, CD44, CD3(+ or -), NK1.1(+), intracellular IFNγ, CD4, CD8, NK1.1, DX5, CD3 (+ or -), NK1.1, DX5, tetramer, Single colour samples for cytometer adjustment.

[0190]Survival/Re-challenge Study

[0191]Day 30: Survival study with mice are treated for 9 days with different doses of IL-28 or IL-29 or with positive anti-influenza antibody control. Body weight and antibody production in individual serum samples (Total, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b) are measured.

[0192]Re-challenge study:

[0193]Day 0: Both groups will be infected with A/PR virus (1LD30).

[0194]Group 6 will not be treated.

[0195]Group 7 will be treated for 9 days with 125 μg of IL-28 or IL-29.

[0196]Day 30: Survival study

[0197]Body weight and antibody production in individual serum samples (Total, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b) are measured.

[0198]Day 60: Re-challenge study

[0199]Survivors in each group will be divided into 2 subgroups

[0200]Group 6A and 7A will be re-challenge with A/PR virus (1 LD30)

[0201]Group 6B and 7B will be re-challenge with A/PR virus (1 LD30).

[0202]Both groups will be followed up and day of sacrifice will be determined. Body weight and antibody production in individual serum samples (Total, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b) are measured.

Example 21

[0203]IL-28 and IL-29 have Antiviral Activity Against Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vivo.

[0204]A transgenic mouse model (Guidotti et al., J. Virology 69:6158-6169, 1995) supports the replication of high levels of infectious HBV and has been used as a chemotherapeutic model for HBV infection. Transgenic mice are treated with antiviral drugs and the levels of HBV DNA and RNA are measured in the transgenic mouse liver and serum following treatment. HBV protein levels can also be measured in the transgenic mouse serum following treatment. This model has been used to evaluate the effectiveness of lamivudine and IFN-α in reducing HBV viral titers.

[0205]HBV TG mice (male) are given intraperitoneal injections of 2.5, 25 or 250 micrograms IL-28 or IL-29 every other day for 14 days (total of 8 doses). Mice are bled for serum collection on day of treatment (day 0) and day 7. One hour following the final dose of IL-29 mice undergo a terminal bleed and are sacrificed. Serum and liver are analyzed for liver HBV DNA, liver HBV RNA, serum HBV DNA, liver HBc, serum Hbe and serum HBs.

[0206]Reduction in liver HBV DNA, liver HBV RNA, serum HBV DNA, liver HBc, serum Hbe or serum HBs in response to IL-28 or IL-29 reflects antiviral activity of these compounds against HBV.

Example 22

IL-28 and IL-29 Inhibit Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) Replication in BCBL-1 Cells

[0207]The antiviral activities of IL-28 and IL-29 were tested against HHV-8 in an in vitro infection system using a B-lymphoid cell line, BCBL-1.

[0208]In the HHV-8 assay the test compound and a ganciclovir control were assayed at five concentrations each, diluted in a half-log series. The endpoints were TaqMan PCR for extracellular HHV-8 DNA (IC50) and cell numbers using CellTiter96® reagent (TC50; Promega, Madison, Wis.). Briefly, BCBL-1 cells were plated in 96-well microtiter plates. After 16-24 hours the cells were washed and the medium was replaced with complete medium containing various concentrations of the test compound in triplicate. Ganciclovir was the positive control, while media alone was a negative control (virus control, VC). Three days later the culture medium was replaced with fresh medium containing the appropriately diluted test compound. Six days following the initial administration of the test compound, the cell culture supernatant was collected, treated with pronase and DNAse and then used in a real-time quantitative TaqMan PCR assay. The PCR-amplified HHV-8 DNA was detected in real-time by monitoring increases in fluorescence signals that result from the exonucleolytic degradation of a quenched fluorescent probe molecule that hybridizes to the amplified HHV-8 DNA. For each PCR amplification, a standard curve was simultaneously generated using dilutions of purified HHV-8 DNA. Antiviral activity was calculated from the reduction in HHV-8 DNA levels (IC₅₀). A novel dye uptake assay was then employed to measure cell viability which was used to calculate toxicity (TC₅₀). The therapeutic index (TI) is calculated as TC₅₀/IC₅₀.

[0209]IL-28 and IL-29 inhibit HHV-8 viral replication in BCBL-1 cells. IL-28A had an IC₅₀ of 1 μg/ml and a TC₅₀ of >10 μg/ml (TI>10). IL-29 had an IC₅₀ of 6.5 μg/ml and a TC₅₀ of >10 μg/ml (TI>1.85). MetIL-29C172S-PEG had an IC₅₀ of 0.14 μg/ml and a TC₅₀ of >10 μg/ml (TI>100).

Example 23

[0210]IL-28 and IL-29 Antiviral Activity Against Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)

[0211]The antiviral activities of IL-28 and IL-29 are tested against EBV in an in vitro infection system in a B-lymphoid cell line, P3HR-1. In the EBV assay the test compound and a control are assayed at five concentrations each, diluted in a half-log series. The endpoints are TaqMan PCR for extracellular EBV DNA (IC50) and cell numbers using CellTiter96® reagent (TC50; Promega). Briefly, P3HR-1 cells are plated in 96-well microtiter plates. After 16-24 hours the cells are washed and the medium is replaced with complete medium containing various concentrations of the test compound in triplicate. In addition to a positive control, media alone is added to cells as a negative control (virus control, VC). Three days later the culture medium is replaced with fresh medium containing the appropriately diluted test compound. Six days following the initial administration of the test compound, the cell culture supernatant is collected, treated with pronase and DNAse and then used in a real-time quantitative TaqMan PCR assay. The PCR-amplified EBV DNA is detected in real-time by monitoring increases in fluorescence signals that result from the exonucleolytic degradation of a quenched fluorescent probe molecule that hybridizes to the amplified EBV DNA. For each PCR amplification, a standard curve was simultaneously generated using dilutions of purified EBV DNA. Antiviral activity is calculated from the reduction in EBV DNA levels (IC₅₀). A novel dye uptake assay was then employed to measure cell viability which was used to calculate toxicity (TC₅₀). The therapeutic index (TI) is calculated as TC₅₀/IC₅₀.

Example 24

IL-28 and IL-29 Antiviral Activity Against Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2)

[0212]The antiviral activities of IL-28 and IL-29 were tested against HSV-2 in an in vitro infection system in Vero cells. The antiviral effects of IL-28 and IL-29 were assessed in inhibition of cytopathic effect assays (CPE). The assay involves the killing of Vero cells by the cytopathic HSV-2 virus and the inhibition of cell killing by IL-28 and IL-29. The Vero cells are propagated in Dulbecco's modified essential medium (DMEM) containing phenol red with 10% horse serum, 1% glutamine and 1% penicillin-streptomycin, while the CPE inhibition assays are performed in DMEM without phenol red with 2% FBS, 1% glutamine and 1% Pen-Strep. On the day preceding the assays, cells were trypsinized (1% trypsin-EDTA), washed, counted and plated out at 10⁴ cells/well in a 96-well flat-bottom BioCoat® plates (Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, Pa.) in a volume of 100 μL/well. The next morning, the medium was removed and a pre-titered aliquot of virus was added to the cells. The amount of virus used is the maximum dilution that would yield complete cell killing (>80%) at the time of maximal CPE development. Cell viability is determined using a CellTiter 96® reagent (Promega) according to the manufacturer's protocol, using a Vmax plate reader (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.). Compounds are tested at six concentrations each, diluted in assay medium in a half-log series. Acyclovir was used as a positive control. Compounds are added at the time of viral infection. The average background and drug color-corrected data for percent CPE reduction and percent cell viability at each concentration are determined relative to controls and the IC₅₀ calculated relative to the TC₅₀.

[0213]IL-28A, IL-29 and MetIL-29C172S-PEG did not inhibit cell death (IC₅₀ of >10 ug/ml) in this assay. There was also no antiviral activity of IFNα in the is assay.

[0214]From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Sequence CWU 1

401618DNAHomo sapiensCDS(1)...(618)misc_feature(0)...(0)IL-28A 1atg act ggg gac tgc acg cca gtg ctg gtg ctg atg gcc gca gtg ctg 48Met Thr Gly Asp Cys Thr Pro Val Leu Val Leu Met Ala Ala Val Leu 1 5 10 15acc gtg act gga gca gtt cct gtc gcc agg ctc cac ggg gct ctc ccg 96Thr Val Thr Gly Ala Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro 20 25 30gat gca agg ggc tgc cac ata gcc cag ttc aag tcc ctg tct cca cag 144Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln 35 40 45gag ctg cag gcc ttt aag agg gcc aaa gat gcc tta gaa gag tcg ctt 192Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu 50 55 60ctg ctg aag gac tgc agg tgc cac tcc cgc ctc ttc ccc agg acc tgg 240Leu Leu Lys Asp Cys Arg Cys His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp 65 70 75 80gac ctg agg cag ctg cag gtg agg gag cgc ccc atg gct ttg gag gct 288Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala 85 90 95gag ctg gcc ctg acg ctg aag gtt ctg gag gcc acc gct gac act gac 336Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp 100 105 110cca gcc ctg gtg gac gtc ttg gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg cac cat 384Pro Ala Leu Val Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His 115 120 125atc ctc tcc cag ttc cgg gcc tgt gtg agt cgt cag ggc ctg ggc acc 432Ile Leu Ser Gln Phe Arg Ala Cys Val Ser Arg Gln Gly Leu Gly Thr 130 135 140cag atc cag cct cag ccc acg gca ggg ccc agg acc cgg ggc cgc ctc 480Gln Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly Arg Leu145 150 155 160cac cat tgg ctg tac cgg ctc cag gag gcc cca aaa aag gag tcc cct 528His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Pro 165 170 175ggc tgc ctc gag gcc tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc ctc ctc acg 576Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr 180 185 190cga gac ctg aat tgt gtt gcc agt ggg gac ctg tgt gtc tga 618Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val * 195 200 2052205PRTHomo sapiens 2Met Thr Gly Asp Cys Thr Pro Val Leu Val Leu Met Ala Ala Val Leu 1 5 10 15Thr Val Thr Gly Ala Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro 20 25 30Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln 35 40 45Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu 50 55 60Leu Leu Lys Asp Cys Arg Cys His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp65 70 75 80Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala 85 90 95Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp 100 105 110Pro Ala Leu Val Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His 115 120 125Ile Leu Ser Gln Phe Arg Ala Cys Val Ser Arg Gln Gly Leu Gly Thr 130 135 140Gln Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly Arg Leu145 150 155 160His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Pro 165 170 175Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr 180 185 190Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 195 200 2053603DNAHomo sapiensCDS(1)...(603)misc_feature(0)...(0)IL-29 3atg gct gca gct tgg acc gtg gtg ctg gtg act ttg gtg cta ggc ttg 48Met Ala Ala Ala Trp Thr Val Val Leu Val Thr Leu Val Leu Gly Leu 1 5 10 15gcc gtg gca ggc cct gtc ccc act tcc aag ccc acc aca act ggg aag 96Ala Val Ala Gly Pro Val Pro Thr Ser Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Gly Lys 20 25 30ggc tgc cac att ggc agg ttc aaa tct ctg tca cca cag gag cta gcg 144Gly Cys His Ile Gly Arg Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Ala 35 40 45agc ttc aag aag gcc agg gac gcc ttg gaa gag tca ctc aag ctg aaa 192Ser Phe Lys Lys Ala Arg Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Lys Leu Lys 50 55 60aac tgg agt tgc agc tct cct gtc ttc ccc ggg aat tgg gac ctg agg 240Asn Trp Ser Cys Ser Ser Pro Val Phe Pro Gly Asn Trp Asp Leu Arg 65 70 75 80ctt ctc cag gtg agg gag cgc cct gtg gcc ttg gag gct gag ctg gcc 288Leu Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala 85 90 95ctg acg ctg aag gtc ctg gag gcc gct gct ggc cca gcc ctg gag gac 336Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Gly Pro Ala Leu Glu Asp 100 105 110gtc cta gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg cac cac atc ctc tcc cag ctc 384Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu 115 120 125cag gcc tgt atc cag cct cag ccc aca gca ggg ccc agg ccc cgg ggc 432Gln Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Pro Arg Gly 130 135 140cgc ctc cac cac tgg ctg cac cgg ctc cag gag gcc ccc aaa aag gag 480Arg Leu His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu145 150 155 160tcc gct ggc tgc ctg gag gca tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc ctc 528Ser Ala Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu 165 170 175ctc acg cga gac ctc aaa tat gtg gcc gat ggg gac ctg tgt ctg aga 576Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Lys Tyr Val Ala Asp Gly Asp Leu Cys Leu Arg 180 185 190acg tca acc cac cct gag tcc acc tga 603Thr Ser Thr His Pro Glu Ser Thr * 195 2004200PRTHomo sapiens 4Met Ala Ala Ala Trp Thr Val Val Leu Val Thr Leu Val Leu Gly Leu 1 5 10 15Ala Val Ala Gly Pro Val Pro Thr Ser Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Gly Lys 20 25 30Gly Cys His Ile Gly Arg Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Ala 35 40 45Ser Phe Lys Lys Ala Arg Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Lys Leu Lys 50 55 60Asn Trp Ser Cys Ser Ser Pro Val Phe Pro Gly Asn Trp Asp Leu Arg65 70 75 80Leu Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala 85 90 95Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Gly Pro Ala Leu Glu Asp 100 105 110Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu 115 120 125Gln Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Pro Arg Gly 130 135 140Arg Leu His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu145 150 155 160Ser Ala Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu 165 170 175Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Lys Tyr Val Ala Asp Gly Asp Leu Cys Leu Arg 180 185 190Thr Ser Thr His Pro Glu Ser Thr 195 2005615DNAHomo sapiensCDS(1)...(615)misc_feature(0)...(0)IL-28B 5atg acc ggg gac tgc atg cca gtg ctg gtg ctg atg gcc gca gtg ctg 48Met Thr Gly Asp Cys Met Pro Val Leu Val Leu Met Ala Ala Val Leu 1 5 10 15acc gtg act gga gca gtt cct gtc gcc agg ctc cgc ggg gct ctc ccg 96Thr Val Thr Gly Ala Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu Arg Gly Ala Leu Pro 20 25 30gat gca agg ggc tgc cac ata gcc cag ttc aag tcc ctg tct cca cag 144Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln 35 40 45gag ctg cag gcc ttt aag agg gcc aaa gat gcc tta gaa gag tcg ctt 192Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu 50 55 60ctg ctg aag gac tgc aag tgc cgc tcc cgc ctc ttc ccc agg acc tgg 240Leu Leu Lys Asp Cys Lys Cys Arg Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp 65 70 75 80gac ctg agg cag ctg cag gtg agg gag cgc ccc gtg gct ttg gag gct 288Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala 85 90 95gag ctg gcc ctg acg ctg aag gtt ctg gag gcc acc gct gac act gac 336Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp 100 105 110cca gcc ctg ggg gat gtc ttg gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg cac cat 384Pro Ala Leu Gly Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His 115 120 125atc ctc tcc cag ctc cgg gcc tgt gtg agt cgt cag ggc ccg ggc acc 432Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Arg Ala Cys Val Ser Arg Gln Gly Pro Gly Thr 130 135 140cag atc cag cct cag ccc acg gca ggg ccc agg acc cgg ggc cgc ctc 480Gln Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly Arg Leu145 150 155 160cac cat tgg ctg cac cgg ctc cag gag gcc cca aaa aag gag tcc cct 528His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Pro 165 170 175ggc tgc ctc gag gcc tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc ctc ctc acg 576Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr 180 185 190cga gac ctg aat tgt gtt gcc agc ggg gac ctg tgt gtc 615Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 195 200 2056205PRTHomo sapiens 6Met Thr Gly Asp Cys Met Pro Val Leu Val Leu Met Ala Ala Val Leu 1 5 10 15Thr Val Thr Gly Ala Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu Arg Gly Ala Leu Pro 20 25 30Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln 35 40 45Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu 50 55 60Leu Leu Lys Asp Cys Lys Cys Arg Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp65 70 75 80Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala 85 90 95Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp 100 105 110Pro Ala Leu Gly Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His 115 120 125Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Arg Ala Cys Val Ser Arg Gln Gly Pro Gly Thr 130 135 140Gln Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly Arg Leu145 150 155 160His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Pro 165 170 175Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr 180 185 190Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 195 200 2057633DNAMus musculusCDS(22)...(630) 7tcacagaccc cggagagcaa c atg aag cca gaa aca gct ggg ggc cac atg 51 Met Lys Pro Glu Thr Ala Gly Gly His Met 1 5 10ctc ctc ctg ctg ttg cct ctg ctg ctg gcc gca gtg ctg aca aga acc 99Leu Leu Leu Leu Leu Pro Leu Leu Leu Ala Ala Val Leu Thr Arg Thr 15 20 25caa gct gac cct gtc ccc agg gcc acc agg ctc cca gtg gaa gca aag 147Gln Ala Asp Pro Val Pro Arg Ala Thr Arg Leu Pro Val Glu Ala Lys 30 35 40gat tgc cac att gct cag ttc aag tct ctg tcc cca aaa gag ctg cag 195Asp Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Lys Glu Leu Gln 45 50 55gcc ttc aaa aag gcc aag gat gcc atc gag aag agg ctg ctt gag aag 243Ala Phe Lys Lys Ala Lys Asp Ala Ile Glu Lys Arg Leu Leu Glu Lys 60 65 70gac ctg agg tgc agt tcc cac ctc ttc ccc agg gcc tgg gac ctg aag 291Asp Leu Arg Cys Ser Ser His Leu Phe Pro Arg Ala Trp Asp Leu Lys 75 80 85 90cag ctg cag gtc caa gag cgc ccc aag gcc ttg cag gct gag gtg gcc 339Gln Leu Gln Val Gln Glu Arg Pro Lys Ala Leu Gln Ala Glu Val Ala 95 100 105ctg acc ctg aag gtc tgg gag aac atg act gac tca gcc ctg gcc acc 387Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Trp Glu Asn Met Thr Asp Ser Ala Leu Ala Thr 110 115 120atc ctg ggc cag cct ctt cat aca ctg agc cac att cac tcc cag ctg 435Ile Leu Gly Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu Ser His Ile His Ser Gln Leu 125 130 135cag acc tgt aca cag ctt cag gcc aca gca gag ccc agg tcc ccg agc 483Gln Thr Cys Thr Gln Leu Gln Ala Thr Ala Glu Pro Arg Ser Pro Ser 140 145 150cgc cgc ctc tcc cgc tgg ctg cac agg ctc cag gag gcc cag agc aag 531Arg Arg Leu Ser Arg Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Gln Ser Lys155 160 165 170gag acc cct ggc tgc ctg gag gcc tct gtc acc tcc aac ctg ttt cgc 579Glu Thr Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Ser Asn Leu Phe Arg 175 180 185ctg ctc acc cgg gac ctc aag tgt gtg gcc aat gga gac cag tgt gtc 627Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Lys Cys Val Ala Asn Gly Asp Gln Cys Val 190 195 200tga cct 633*8202PRTMus musculus 8Met Lys Pro Glu Thr Ala Gly Gly His Met Leu Leu Leu Leu Leu Pro 1 5 10 15Leu Leu Leu Ala Ala Val Leu Thr Arg Thr Gln Ala Asp Pro Val Pro 20 25 30Arg Ala Thr Arg Leu Pro Val Glu Ala Lys Asp Cys His Ile Ala Gln 35 40 45Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Lys Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe Lys Lys Ala Lys 50 55 60Asp Ala Ile Glu Lys Arg Leu Leu Glu Lys Asp Leu Arg Cys Ser Ser65 70 75 80His Leu Phe Pro Arg Ala Trp Asp Leu Lys Gln Leu Gln Val Gln Glu 85 90 95Arg Pro Lys Ala Leu Gln Ala Glu Val Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Trp 100 105 110Glu Asn Met Thr Asp Ser Ala Leu Ala Thr Ile Leu Gly Gln Pro Leu 115 120 125His Thr Leu Ser His Ile His Ser Gln Leu Gln Thr Cys Thr Gln Leu 130 135 140Gln Ala Thr Ala Glu Pro Arg Ser Pro Ser Arg Arg Leu Ser Arg Trp145 150 155 160Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Gln Ser Lys Glu Thr Pro Gly Cys Leu 165 170 175Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Ser Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu 180 185 190Lys Cys Val Ala Asn Gly Asp Gln Cys Val 195 2009632DNAMus musculusCDS(22)...(630) 9tcacagaccc cggagagcaa c atg aag cca gaa aca gct ggg ggc cac atg 51 Met Lys Pro Glu Thr Ala Gly Gly His Met 1 5 10ctc ctc ctg ctg ttg cct ctg ctg ctg gcc gca gtg ctg aca aga acc 99Leu Leu Leu Leu Leu Pro Leu Leu Leu Ala Ala Val Leu Thr Arg Thr 15 20 25caa gct gac cct gtc ccc agg gcc acc agg ctc cca gtg gaa gca aag 147Gln Ala Asp Pro Val Pro Arg Ala Thr Arg Leu Pro Val Glu Ala Lys 30 35 40gat tgc cac att gct cag ttc aag tct ctg tcc cca aaa gag ctg cag 195Asp Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Lys Glu Leu Gln 45 50 55gcc ttc aaa aag gcc aag ggt gcc atc gag aag agg ctg ctt gag aag 243Ala Phe Lys Lys Ala Lys Gly Ala Ile Glu Lys Arg Leu Leu Glu Lys 60 65 70gac atg agg tgc agt tcc cac ctc atc tcc agg gcc tgg gac ctg aag 291Asp Met Arg Cys Ser Ser His Leu Ile Ser Arg Ala Trp Asp Leu Lys 75 80 85 90cag ctg cag gtc caa gag cgc ccc aag gcc ttg cag gct gag gtg gcc 339Gln Leu Gln Val Gln Glu Arg Pro Lys Ala Leu Gln Ala Glu Val Ala 95 100 105ctg acc ctg aag gtc tgg gag aac ata aat gac tca gcc ctg acc acc 387Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Trp Glu Asn Ile Asn Asp Ser Ala Leu Thr Thr 110 115 120atc ctg ggc cag cct ctt cat aca ctg agc cac att cac tcc cag ctg 435Ile Leu Gly Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu Ser His Ile His Ser Gln Leu 125 130 135cag acc tgt aca cag ctt cag gcc aca gca gag ccc aag ccc ccg agt 483Gln Thr Cys Thr Gln Leu Gln Ala Thr Ala Glu Pro Lys Pro Pro Ser 140 145 150cgc cgc ctc tcc cgc tgg ctg cac agg ctc cag gag gcc cag agc aag 531Arg Arg Leu Ser Arg Trp

Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Gln Ser Lys155 160 165 170gag act cct ggc tgc ctg gag gac tct gtc acc tcc aac ctg ttt caa 579Glu Thr Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Asp Ser Val Thr Ser Asn Leu Phe Gln 175 180 185ctg ctc ctc cgg gac ctc aag tgt gtg gcc agt gga gac cag tgt gtc 627Leu Leu Leu Arg Asp Leu Lys Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Gln Cys Val 190 195 200tga cc 632*10202PRTMus musculus 10Met Lys Pro Glu Thr Ala Gly Gly His Met Leu Leu Leu Leu Leu Pro 1 5 10 15Leu Leu Leu Ala Ala Val Leu Thr Arg Thr Gln Ala Asp Pro Val Pro 20 25 30Arg Ala Thr Arg Leu Pro Val Glu Ala Lys Asp Cys His Ile Ala Gln 35 40 45Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Lys Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe Lys Lys Ala Lys 50 55 60Gly Ala Ile Glu Lys Arg Leu Leu Glu Lys Asp Met Arg Cys Ser Ser65 70 75 80His Leu Ile Ser Arg Ala Trp Asp Leu Lys Gln Leu Gln Val Gln Glu 85 90 95Arg Pro Lys Ala Leu Gln Ala Glu Val Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Trp 100 105 110Glu Asn Ile Asn Asp Ser Ala Leu Thr Thr Ile Leu Gly Gln Pro Leu 115 120 125His Thr Leu Ser His Ile His Ser Gln Leu Gln Thr Cys Thr Gln Leu 130 135 140Gln Ala Thr Ala Glu Pro Lys Pro Pro Ser Arg Arg Leu Ser Arg Trp145 150 155 160Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Gln Ser Lys Glu Thr Pro Gly Cys Leu 165 170 175Glu Asp Ser Val Thr Ser Asn Leu Phe Gln Leu Leu Leu Arg Asp Leu 180 185 190Lys Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Gln Cys Val 195 200111563DNAHomo sapiensCDS(1)...(1563)misc_feature(0)...(0)IL-28RA 11atg gcg ggg ccc gag cgc tgg ggc ccc ctg ctc ctg tgc ctg ctg cag 48Met Ala Gly Pro Glu Arg Trp Gly Pro Leu Leu Leu Cys Leu Leu Gln 1 5 10 15gcc gct cca ggg agg ccc cgt ctg gcc cct ccc cag aat gtg acg ctg 96Ala Ala Pro Gly Arg Pro Arg Leu Ala Pro Pro Gln Asn Val Thr Leu 20 25 30ctc tcc cag aac ttc agc gtg tac ctg aca tgg ctc cca ggg ctt ggc 144Leu Ser Gln Asn Phe Ser Val Tyr Leu Thr Trp Leu Pro Gly Leu Gly 35 40 45aac ccc cag gat gtg acc tat ttt gtg gcc tat cag agc tct ccc acc 192Asn Pro Gln Asp Val Thr Tyr Phe Val Ala Tyr Gln Ser Ser Pro Thr 50 55 60cgt aga cgg tgg cgc gaa gtg gaa gag tgt gcg gga acc aag gag ctg 240Arg Arg Arg Trp Arg Glu Val Glu Glu Cys Ala Gly Thr Lys Glu Leu 65 70 75 80cta tgt tct atg atg tgc ctg aag aaa cag gac ctg tac aac aag ttc 288Leu Cys Ser Met Met Cys Leu Lys Lys Gln Asp Leu Tyr Asn Lys Phe 85 90 95aag gga cgc gtg cgg acg gtt tct ccc agc tcc aag tcc ccc tgg gtg 336Lys Gly Arg Val Arg Thr Val Ser Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Pro Trp Val 100 105 110gag tcc gaa tac ctg gat tac ctt ttt gaa gtg gag ccg gcc cca cct 384Glu Ser Glu Tyr Leu Asp Tyr Leu Phe Glu Val Glu Pro Ala Pro Pro 115 120 125gtc ctg gtg ctc acc cag acg gag gag atc ctg agt gcc aat gcc acg 432Val Leu Val Leu Thr Gln Thr Glu Glu Ile Leu Ser Ala Asn Ala Thr 130 135 140tac cag ctg ccc ccc tgc atg ccc cca ctg gat ctg aag tat gag gtg 480Tyr Gln Leu Pro Pro Cys Met Pro Pro Leu Asp Leu Lys Tyr Glu Val145 150 155 160gca ttc tgg aag gag ggg gcc gga aac aag acc cta ttt cca gtc act 528Ala Phe Trp Lys Glu Gly Ala Gly Asn Lys Thr Leu Phe Pro Val Thr 165 170 175ccc cat ggc cag cca gtc cag atc act ctc cag cca gct gcc agc gaa 576Pro His Gly Gln Pro Val Gln Ile Thr Leu Gln Pro Ala Ala Ser Glu 180 185 190cac cac tgc ctc agt gcc aga acc atc tac acg ttc agt gtc ccg aaa 624His His Cys Leu Ser Ala Arg Thr Ile Tyr Thr Phe Ser Val Pro Lys 195 200 205tac agc aag ttc tct aag ccc acc tgc ttc ttg ctg gag gtc cca gaa 672Tyr Ser Lys Phe Ser Lys Pro Thr Cys Phe Leu Leu Glu Val Pro Glu 210 215 220gcc aac tgg gct ttc ctg gtg ctg cca tcg ctt ctg ata ctg ctg tta 720Ala Asn Trp Ala Phe Leu Val Leu Pro Ser Leu Leu Ile Leu Leu Leu225 230 235 240gta att gcc gca ggg ggt gtg atc tgg aag acc ctc atg ggg aac ccc 768Val Ile Ala Ala Gly Gly Val Ile Trp Lys Thr Leu Met Gly Asn Pro 245 250 255tgg ttt cag cgg gca aag atg cca cgg gcc ctg gac ttt tct gga cac 816Trp Phe Gln Arg Ala Lys Met Pro Arg Ala Leu Asp Phe Ser Gly His 260 265 270aca cac cct gtg gca acc ttt cag ccc agc aga cca gag tcc gtg aat 864Thr His Pro Val Ala Thr Phe Gln Pro Ser Arg Pro Glu Ser Val Asn 275 280 285gac ttg ttc ctc tgt ccc caa aag gaa ctg acc aga ggg gtc agg ccg 912Asp Leu Phe Leu Cys Pro Gln Lys Glu Leu Thr Arg Gly Val Arg Pro 290 295 300acg cct cga gtc agg gcc cca gcc acc caa cag aca aga tgg aag aag 960Thr Pro Arg Val Arg Ala Pro Ala Thr Gln Gln Thr Arg Trp Lys Lys305 310 315 320gac ctt gca gag gac gaa gag gag gag gat gag gag gac aca gaa gat 1008Asp Leu Ala Glu Asp Glu Glu Glu Glu Asp Glu Glu Asp Thr Glu Asp 325 330 335ggc gtc agc ttc cag ccc tac att gaa cca cct tct ttc ctg ggg caa 1056Gly Val Ser Phe Gln Pro Tyr Ile Glu Pro Pro Ser Phe Leu Gly Gln 340 345 350gag cac cag gct cca ggg cac tcg gag gct ggt ggg gtg gac tca ggg 1104Glu His Gln Ala Pro Gly His Ser Glu Ala Gly Gly Val Asp Ser Gly 355 360 365agg ccc agg gct cct ctg gtc cca agc gaa ggc tcc tct gct tgg gat 1152Arg Pro Arg Ala Pro Leu Val Pro Ser Glu Gly Ser Ser Ala Trp Asp 370 375 380tct tca gac aga agc tgg gcc agc act gtg gac tcc tcc tgg gac agg 1200Ser Ser Asp Arg Ser Trp Ala Ser Thr Val Asp Ser Ser Trp Asp Arg385 390 395 400gct ggg tcc tct ggc tat ttg gct gag aag ggg cca ggc caa ggg ccg 1248Ala Gly Ser Ser Gly Tyr Leu Ala Glu Lys Gly Pro Gly Gln Gly Pro 405 410 415ggt ggg gat ggg cac caa gaa tct ctc cca cca cct gaa ttc tcc aag 1296Gly Gly Asp Gly His Gln Glu Ser Leu Pro Pro Pro Glu Phe Ser Lys 420 425 430gac tcg ggt ttc ctg gaa gag ctc cca gaa gat aac ctc tcc tcc tgg 1344Asp Ser Gly Phe Leu Glu Glu Leu Pro Glu Asp Asn Leu Ser Ser Trp 435 440 445gcc acc tgg ggc acc tta cca ccg gag ccg aat ctg gtc cct ggg gga 1392Ala Thr Trp Gly Thr Leu Pro Pro Glu Pro Asn Leu Val Pro Gly Gly 450 455 460ccc cca gtt tct ctt cag aca ctg acc ttc tgc tgg gaa agc agc cct 1440Pro Pro Val Ser Leu Gln Thr Leu Thr Phe Cys Trp Glu Ser Ser Pro465 470 475 480gag gag gaa gag gag gcg agg gaa tca gaa att gag gac agc gat gcg 1488Glu Glu Glu Glu Glu Ala Arg Glu Ser Glu Ile Glu Asp Ser Asp Ala 485 490 495ggc agc tgg ggg gct gag agc acc cag agg acc gag gac agg ggc cgg 1536Gly Ser Trp Gly Ala Glu Ser Thr Gln Arg Thr Glu Asp Arg Gly Arg 500 505 510aca ttg ggg cat tac atg gcc agg tga 1563Thr Leu Gly His Tyr Met Ala Arg * 515 52012520PRTHomo sapiens 12Met Ala Gly Pro Glu Arg Trp Gly Pro Leu Leu Leu Cys Leu Leu Gln 1 5 10 15Ala Ala Pro Gly Arg Pro Arg Leu Ala Pro Pro Gln Asn Val Thr Leu 20 25 30Leu Ser Gln Asn Phe Ser Val Tyr Leu Thr Trp Leu Pro Gly Leu Gly 35 40 45Asn Pro Gln Asp Val Thr Tyr Phe Val Ala Tyr Gln Ser Ser Pro Thr 50 55 60Arg Arg Arg Trp Arg Glu Val Glu Glu Cys Ala Gly Thr Lys Glu Leu65 70 75 80Leu Cys Ser Met Met Cys Leu Lys Lys Gln Asp Leu Tyr Asn Lys Phe 85 90 95Lys Gly Arg Val Arg Thr Val Ser Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Pro Trp Val 100 105 110Glu Ser Glu Tyr Leu Asp Tyr Leu Phe Glu Val Glu Pro Ala Pro Pro 115 120 125Val Leu Val Leu Thr Gln Thr Glu Glu Ile Leu Ser Ala Asn Ala Thr 130 135 140Tyr Gln Leu Pro Pro Cys Met Pro Pro Leu Asp Leu Lys Tyr Glu Val145 150 155 160Ala Phe Trp Lys Glu Gly Ala Gly Asn Lys Thr Leu Phe Pro Val Thr 165 170 175Pro His Gly Gln Pro Val Gln Ile Thr Leu Gln Pro Ala Ala Ser Glu 180 185 190His His Cys Leu Ser Ala Arg Thr Ile Tyr Thr Phe Ser Val Pro Lys 195 200 205Tyr Ser Lys Phe Ser Lys Pro Thr Cys Phe Leu Leu Glu Val Pro Glu 210 215 220Ala Asn Trp Ala Phe Leu Val Leu Pro Ser Leu Leu Ile Leu Leu Leu225 230 235 240Val Ile Ala Ala Gly Gly Val Ile Trp Lys Thr Leu Met Gly Asn Pro 245 250 255Trp Phe Gln Arg Ala Lys Met Pro Arg Ala Leu Asp Phe Ser Gly His 260 265 270Thr His Pro Val Ala Thr Phe Gln Pro Ser Arg Pro Glu Ser Val Asn 275 280 285Asp Leu Phe Leu Cys Pro Gln Lys Glu Leu Thr Arg Gly Val Arg Pro 290 295 300Thr Pro Arg Val Arg Ala Pro Ala Thr Gln Gln Thr Arg Trp Lys Lys305 310 315 320Asp Leu Ala Glu Asp Glu Glu Glu Glu Asp Glu Glu Asp Thr Glu Asp 325 330 335Gly Val Ser Phe Gln Pro Tyr Ile Glu Pro Pro Ser Phe Leu Gly Gln 340 345 350Glu His Gln Ala Pro Gly His Ser Glu Ala Gly Gly Val Asp Ser Gly 355 360 365Arg Pro Arg Ala Pro Leu Val Pro Ser Glu Gly Ser Ser Ala Trp Asp 370 375 380Ser Ser Asp Arg Ser Trp Ala Ser Thr Val Asp Ser Ser Trp Asp Arg385 390 395 400Ala Gly Ser Ser Gly Tyr Leu Ala Glu Lys Gly Pro Gly Gln Gly Pro 405 410 415Gly Gly Asp Gly His Gln Glu Ser Leu Pro Pro Pro Glu Phe Ser Lys 420 425 430Asp Ser Gly Phe Leu Glu Glu Leu Pro Glu Asp Asn Leu Ser Ser Trp 435 440 445Ala Thr Trp Gly Thr Leu Pro Pro Glu Pro Asn Leu Val Pro Gly Gly 450 455 460Pro Pro Val Ser Leu Gln Thr Leu Thr Phe Cys Trp Glu Ser Ser Pro465 470 475 480Glu Glu Glu Glu Glu Ala Arg Glu Ser Glu Ile Glu Asp Ser Asp Ala 485 490 495Gly Ser Trp Gly Ala Glu Ser Thr Gln Arg Thr Glu Asp Arg Gly Arg 500 505 510Thr Leu Gly His Tyr Met Ala Arg 515 520131476DNAHomo sapiensCDS(1)...(1476)misc_feature(0)...(0)IL-28RA splice variant 13atg gcg ggg ccc gag cgc tgg ggc ccc ctg ctc ctg tgc ctg ctg cag 48Met Ala Gly Pro Glu Arg Trp Gly Pro Leu Leu Leu Cys Leu Leu Gln 1 5 10 15gcc gct cca ggg agg ccc cgt ctg gcc cct ccc cag aat gtg acg ctg 96Ala Ala Pro Gly Arg Pro Arg Leu Ala Pro Pro Gln Asn Val Thr Leu 20 25 30ctc tcc cag aac ttc agc gtg tac ctg aca tgg ctc cca ggg ctt ggc 144Leu Ser Gln Asn Phe Ser Val Tyr Leu Thr Trp Leu Pro Gly Leu Gly 35 40 45aac ccc cag gat gtg acc tat ttt gtg gcc tat cag agc tct ccc acc 192Asn Pro Gln Asp Val Thr Tyr Phe Val Ala Tyr Gln Ser Ser Pro Thr 50 55 60cgt aga cgg tgg cgc gaa gtg gaa gag tgt gcg gga acc aag gag ctg 240Arg Arg Arg Trp Arg Glu Val Glu Glu Cys Ala Gly Thr Lys Glu Leu 65 70 75 80cta tgt tct atg atg tgc ctg aag aaa cag gac ctg tac aac aag ttc 288Leu Cys Ser Met Met Cys Leu Lys Lys Gln Asp Leu Tyr Asn Lys Phe 85 90 95aag gga cgc gtg cgg acg gtt tct ccc agc tcc aag tcc ccc tgg gtg 336Lys Gly Arg Val Arg Thr Val Ser Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Pro Trp Val 100 105 110gag tcc gaa tac ctg gat tac ctt ttt gaa gtg gag ccg gcc cca cct 384Glu Ser Glu Tyr Leu Asp Tyr Leu Phe Glu Val Glu Pro Ala Pro Pro 115 120 125gtc ctg gtg ctc acc cag acg gag gag atc ctg agt gcc aat gcc acg 432Val Leu Val Leu Thr Gln Thr Glu Glu Ile Leu Ser Ala Asn Ala Thr 130 135 140tac cag ctg ccc ccc tgc atg ccc cca ctg ttt ctg aag tat gag gtg 480Tyr Gln Leu Pro Pro Cys Met Pro Pro Leu Phe Leu Lys Tyr Glu Val145 150 155 160gca ttt tgg ggg ggg ggg gcc gga acc aag acc cta ttt cca gtc act 528Ala Phe Trp Gly Gly Gly Ala Gly Thr Lys Thr Leu Phe Pro Val Thr 165 170 175ccc cat ggc cag cca gtc cag atc act ctc cag cca gct gcc agc gaa 576Pro His Gly Gln Pro Val Gln Ile Thr Leu Gln Pro Ala Ala Ser Glu 180 185 190cac cac tgc ctc agt gcc aga acc atc tac acg ttc agt gtc ccg aaa 624His His Cys Leu Ser Ala Arg Thr Ile Tyr Thr Phe Ser Val Pro Lys 195 200 205tac agc aag ttc tct aag ccc acc tgc ttc ttg ctg gag gtc cca gaa 672Tyr Ser Lys Phe Ser Lys Pro Thr Cys Phe Leu Leu Glu Val Pro Glu 210 215 220gcc aac tgg gct ttc ctg gtg ctg cca tcg ctt ctg ata ctg ctg tta 720Ala Asn Trp Ala Phe Leu Val Leu Pro Ser Leu Leu Ile Leu Leu Leu225 230 235 240gta att gcc gca ggg ggt gtg atc tgg aag acc ctc atg ggg aac ccc 768Val Ile Ala Ala Gly Gly Val Ile Trp Lys Thr Leu Met Gly Asn Pro 245 250 255tgg ttt cag cgg gca aag atg cca cgg gcc ctg gaa ctg acc aga ggg 816Trp Phe Gln Arg Ala Lys Met Pro Arg Ala Leu Glu Leu Thr Arg Gly 260 265 270gtc agg ccg acg cct cga gtc agg gcc cca gcc acc caa cag aca aga 864Val Arg Pro Thr Pro Arg Val Arg Ala Pro Ala Thr Gln Gln Thr Arg 275 280 285tgg aag aag gac ctt gca gag gac gaa gag gag gag gat gag gag gac 912Trp Lys Lys Asp Leu Ala Glu Asp Glu Glu Glu Glu Asp Glu Glu Asp 290 295 300aca gaa gat ggc gtc agc ttc cag ccc tac att gaa cca cct tct ttc 960Thr Glu Asp Gly Val Ser Phe Gln Pro Tyr Ile Glu Pro Pro Ser Phe305 310 315 320ctg ggg caa gag cac cag gct cca ggg cac tcg gag gct ggt ggg gtg 1008Leu Gly Gln Glu His Gln Ala Pro Gly His Ser Glu Ala Gly Gly Val 325 330 335gac tca ggg agg ccc agg gct cct ctg gtc cca agc gaa ggc tcc tct 1056Asp Ser Gly Arg Pro Arg Ala Pro Leu Val Pro Ser Glu Gly Ser Ser 340 345 350gct tgg gat tct tca gac aga agc tgg gcc agc act gtg gac tcc tcc 1104Ala Trp Asp Ser Ser Asp Arg Ser Trp Ala Ser Thr Val Asp Ser Ser 355 360 365tgg gac agg gct ggg tcc tct ggc tat ttg gct gag aag ggg cca ggc 1152Trp Asp Arg Ala Gly Ser Ser Gly Tyr Leu Ala Glu Lys Gly Pro Gly 370 375 380caa ggg ccg ggt ggg gat ggg cac caa gaa tct ctc cca cca cct gaa 1200Gln Gly Pro Gly Gly Asp Gly His Gln Glu Ser Leu Pro Pro Pro Glu385 390 395 400ttc tcc aag gac tcg ggt ttc ctg gaa gag ctc cca gaa gat aac ctc 1248Phe Ser Lys Asp Ser Gly Phe Leu Glu Glu Leu Pro Glu Asp Asn Leu 405 410 415tcc tcc tgg gcc acc tgg ggc acc tta cca ccg gag ccg aat ctg gtc 1296Ser Ser Trp Ala Thr Trp Gly Thr Leu Pro Pro Glu Pro Asn Leu Val 420 425 430cct ggg gga ccc cca gtt tct ctt cag aca ctg acc ttc tgc tgg gaa 1344Pro Gly Gly Pro Pro Val Ser Leu Gln Thr Leu Thr Phe Cys Trp Glu 435 440 445agc agc cct gag gag gaa gag gag gcg agg gaa tca gaa att gag gac 1392Ser Ser Pro Glu Glu Glu Glu Glu Ala Arg Glu Ser Glu Ile Glu Asp 450 455 460agc gat gcg ggc agc tgg ggg gct gag agc acc cag agg acc gag gac 1440Ser Asp Ala Gly Ser Trp Gly Ala Glu Ser Thr Gln Arg Thr Glu Asp465 470 475 480agg ggc cgg aca ttg ggg cat tac atg gcc agg tga 1476Arg Gly Arg Thr Leu Gly His Tyr Met Ala Arg * 485 49014491PRTHomo sapiens 14Met Ala Gly Pro Glu Arg Trp Gly

Pro Leu Leu Leu Cys Leu Leu Gln 1 5 10 15Ala Ala Pro Gly Arg Pro Arg Leu Ala Pro Pro Gln Asn Val Thr Leu 20 25 30Leu Ser Gln Asn Phe Ser Val Tyr Leu Thr Trp Leu Pro Gly Leu Gly 35 40 45Asn Pro Gln Asp Val Thr Tyr Phe Val Ala Tyr Gln Ser Ser Pro Thr 50 55 60Arg Arg Arg Trp Arg Glu Val Glu Glu Cys Ala Gly Thr Lys Glu Leu65 70 75 80Leu Cys Ser Met Met Cys Leu Lys Lys Gln Asp Leu Tyr Asn Lys Phe 85 90 95Lys Gly Arg Val Arg Thr Val Ser Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Pro Trp Val 100 105 110Glu Ser Glu Tyr Leu Asp Tyr Leu Phe Glu Val Glu Pro Ala Pro Pro 115 120 125Val Leu Val Leu Thr Gln Thr Glu Glu Ile Leu Ser Ala Asn Ala Thr 130 135 140Tyr Gln Leu Pro Pro Cys Met Pro Pro Leu Phe Leu Lys Tyr Glu Val145 150 155 160Ala Phe Trp Gly Gly Gly Ala Gly Thr Lys Thr Leu Phe Pro Val Thr 165 170 175Pro His Gly Gln Pro Val Gln Ile Thr Leu Gln Pro Ala Ala Ser Glu 180 185 190His His Cys Leu Ser Ala Arg Thr Ile Tyr Thr Phe Ser Val Pro Lys 195 200 205Tyr Ser Lys Phe Ser Lys Pro Thr Cys Phe Leu Leu Glu Val Pro Glu 210 215 220Ala Asn Trp Ala Phe Leu Val Leu Pro Ser Leu Leu Ile Leu Leu Leu225 230 235 240Val Ile Ala Ala Gly Gly Val Ile Trp Lys Thr Leu Met Gly Asn Pro 245 250 255Trp Phe Gln Arg Ala Lys Met Pro Arg Ala Leu Glu Leu Thr Arg Gly 260 265 270Val Arg Pro Thr Pro Arg Val Arg Ala Pro Ala Thr Gln Gln Thr Arg 275 280 285Trp Lys Lys Asp Leu Ala Glu Asp Glu Glu Glu Glu Asp Glu Glu Asp 290 295 300Thr Glu Asp Gly Val Ser Phe Gln Pro Tyr Ile Glu Pro Pro Ser Phe305 310 315 320Leu Gly Gln Glu His Gln Ala Pro Gly His Ser Glu Ala Gly Gly Val 325 330 335Asp Ser Gly Arg Pro Arg Ala Pro Leu Val Pro Ser Glu Gly Ser Ser 340 345 350Ala Trp Asp Ser Ser Asp Arg Ser Trp Ala Ser Thr Val Asp Ser Ser 355 360 365Trp Asp Arg Ala Gly Ser Ser Gly Tyr Leu Ala Glu Lys Gly Pro Gly 370 375 380Gln Gly Pro Gly Gly Asp Gly His Gln Glu Ser Leu Pro Pro Pro Glu385 390 395 400Phe Ser Lys Asp Ser Gly Phe Leu Glu Glu Leu Pro Glu Asp Asn Leu 405 410 415Ser Ser Trp Ala Thr Trp Gly Thr Leu Pro Pro Glu Pro Asn Leu Val 420 425 430Pro Gly Gly Pro Pro Val Ser Leu Gln Thr Leu Thr Phe Cys Trp Glu 435 440 445Ser Ser Pro Glu Glu Glu Glu Glu Ala Arg Glu Ser Glu Ile Glu Asp 450 455 460Ser Asp Ala Gly Ser Trp Gly Ala Glu Ser Thr Gln Arg Thr Glu Asp465 470 475 480Arg Gly Arg Thr Leu Gly His Tyr Met Ala Arg 485 49015674DNAHomo sapiensCDS(1)...(636)misc_feature(0)...(0)IL-28RA soluble variant 15atg gcg ggg ccc gag cgc tgg ggc ccc ctg ctc ctg tgc ctg ctg cag 48Met Ala Gly Pro Glu Arg Trp Gly Pro Leu Leu Leu Cys Leu Leu Gln 1 5 10 15gcc gct cca ggg agg ccc cgt ctg gcc cct ccc cag aat gtg acg ctg 96Ala Ala Pro Gly Arg Pro Arg Leu Ala Pro Pro Gln Asn Val Thr Leu 20 25 30ctc tcc cag aac ttc agc gtg tac ctg aca tgg ctc cca ggg ctt ggc 144Leu Ser Gln Asn Phe Ser Val Tyr Leu Thr Trp Leu Pro Gly Leu Gly 35 40 45aac ccc cag gat gtg acc tat ttt gtg gcc tat cag agc tct ccc acc 192Asn Pro Gln Asp Val Thr Tyr Phe Val Ala Tyr Gln Ser Ser Pro Thr 50 55 60cgt aga cgg tgg cgc gaa gtg gaa gag tgt gcg gga acc aag gag ctg 240Arg Arg Arg Trp Arg Glu Val Glu Glu Cys Ala Gly Thr Lys Glu Leu 65 70 75 80cta tgt tct atg atg tgc ctg aag aaa cag gac ctg tac aac aag ttc 288Leu Cys Ser Met Met Cys Leu Lys Lys Gln Asp Leu Tyr Asn Lys Phe 85 90 95aag gga cgc gtg cgg acg gtt tct ccc agc tcc aag tcc ccc tgg gtg 336Lys Gly Arg Val Arg Thr Val Ser Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Pro Trp Val 100 105 110gag tcc gaa tac ctg gat tac ctt ttt gaa gtg gag ccg gcc cca cct 384Glu Ser Glu Tyr Leu Asp Tyr Leu Phe Glu Val Glu Pro Ala Pro Pro 115 120 125gtc ctg gtg ctc acc cag acg gag gag atc ctg agt gcc aat gcc acg 432Val Leu Val Leu Thr Gln Thr Glu Glu Ile Leu Ser Ala Asn Ala Thr 130 135 140tac cag ctg ccc ccc tgc atg ccc cca ctg gat ctg aag tat gag gtg 480Tyr Gln Leu Pro Pro Cys Met Pro Pro Leu Asp Leu Lys Tyr Glu Val145 150 155 160gca ttc tgg aag gag ggg gcc gga aac aag gtg gga agc tcc ttt cct 528Ala Phe Trp Lys Glu Gly Ala Gly Asn Lys Val Gly Ser Ser Phe Pro 165 170 175gcc ccc agg cta ggc ccg ctc ctc cac ccc ttc tta ctc agg ttc ttc 576Ala Pro Arg Leu Gly Pro Leu Leu His Pro Phe Leu Leu Arg Phe Phe 180 185 190tca ccc tcc cag cct gct cct gca ccc ctc ctc cag gaa gtc ttc cct 624Ser Pro Ser Gln Pro Ala Pro Ala Pro Leu Leu Gln Glu Val Phe Pro 195 200 205gta cac tcc tga cttctggcag tcagccctaa taaaatctga tcaaagta 674Val His Ser * 21016211PRTHomo sapiens 16Met Ala Gly Pro Glu Arg Trp Gly Pro Leu Leu Leu Cys Leu Leu Gln 1 5 10 15Ala Ala Pro Gly Arg Pro Arg Leu Ala Pro Pro Gln Asn Val Thr Leu 20 25 30Leu Ser Gln Asn Phe Ser Val Tyr Leu Thr Trp Leu Pro Gly Leu Gly 35 40 45Asn Pro Gln Asp Val Thr Tyr Phe Val Ala Tyr Gln Ser Ser Pro Thr 50 55 60Arg Arg Arg Trp Arg Glu Val Glu Glu Cys Ala Gly Thr Lys Glu Leu65 70 75 80Leu Cys Ser Met Met Cys Leu Lys Lys Gln Asp Leu Tyr Asn Lys Phe 85 90 95Lys Gly Arg Val Arg Thr Val Ser Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Pro Trp Val 100 105 110Glu Ser Glu Tyr Leu Asp Tyr Leu Phe Glu Val Glu Pro Ala Pro Pro 115 120 125Val Leu Val Leu Thr Gln Thr Glu Glu Ile Leu Ser Ala Asn Ala Thr 130 135 140Tyr Gln Leu Pro Pro Cys Met Pro Pro Leu Asp Leu Lys Tyr Glu Val145 150 155 160Ala Phe Trp Lys Glu Gly Ala Gly Asn Lys Val Gly Ser Ser Phe Pro 165 170 175Ala Pro Arg Leu Gly Pro Leu Leu His Pro Phe Leu Leu Arg Phe Phe 180 185 190Ser Pro Ser Gln Pro Ala Pro Ala Pro Leu Leu Gln Glu Val Phe Pro 195 200 205Val His Ser 21017734DNAHomo sapienssig_peptide(53)...(127)mat_peptide(128)...(655)CDS(53)...(655) 17tgggtgacag cctcagagtg tttcttctgc tgacaaagac cagagatcag ga atg aaa 58 Met Lys -25cta gac atg act ggg gac tgc acg cca gtg ctg gtg ctg atg gcc gca 106Leu Asp Met Thr Gly Asp Cys Thr Pro Val Leu Val Leu Met Ala Ala -20 -15 -10gtg ctg acc gtg act gga gca gtt cct gtc gcc agg ctc cac ggg gct 154Val Leu Thr Val Thr Gly Ala Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala -5 1 5ctc ccg gat gca agg ggc tgc cac ata gcc cag ttc aag tcc ctg tct 202Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser 10 15 20 25cca cag gag ctg cag gcc ttt aag agg gcc aaa gat gcc tta gaa gag 250Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu 30 35 40tcg ctt ctg ctg aag gac tgc agg tgc cac tcc cgc ctc ttc ccc agg 298Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp Cys Arg Cys His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg 45 50 55acc tgg gac ctg agg cag ctg cag gtg agg gag cgc ccc atg gct ttg 346Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu 60 65 70gag gct gag ctg gcc ctg acg ctg aag gtt ctg gag gcc acc gct gac 394Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp 75 80 85act gac cca gcc ctg gtg gac gtc ttg gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg 442Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu 90 95 100 105cac cat atc ctc tcc cag ttc cgg gcc tgt atc cag cct cag ccc acg 490His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Phe Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr 110 115 120gca ggg ccc agg acc cgg ggc cgc ctc cac cat tgg ctg tac cgg ctc 538Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu 125 130 135cag gag gcc cca aaa aag gag tcc cct ggc tgc ctc gag gcc tct gtc 586Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val 140 145 150acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc ctc ctc acg cga gac ctg aat tgt gtt gcc 634Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala 155 160 165agt ggg gac ctg tgt gtc tga ccctcccacc agtcatgcaa cctgagattt 685Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val *170 175tatttataaa ttagccactt gtcttaattt attgccaccc agtcgctat 73418200PRTHomo sapiensSIGNAL(1)...(25) 18Met Lys Leu Asp Met Thr Gly Asp Cys Thr Pro Val Leu Val Leu Met-25 -20 -15 -10Ala Ala Val Leu Thr Val Thr Gly Ala Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His -5 1 5Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser 10 15 20Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu 25 30 35Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp Cys Arg Cys His Ser Arg Leu Phe40 45 50 55Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met 60 65 70Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr 75 80 85Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His 90 95 100Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Phe Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln 105 110 115Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr120 125 130 135Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala 140 145 150Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys 155 160 165Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 170 17519856DNAHomo sapienssig_peptide(98)...(154)mat_peptide(155)...(700)CDS(98)...(700) 19aattaccttt tcactttaca cacatcatct tggattgccc attttgcgtg gctaaaaagc 60agagccatgc cgctggggaa gcagttgcga tttagcc atg gct gca gct tgg acc 115 Met Ala Ala Ala Trp Thr -15gtg gtg ctg gtg act ttg gtg cta ggc ttg gcc gtg gca ggc cct gtc 163Val Val Leu Val Thr Leu Val Leu Gly Leu Ala Val Ala Gly Pro Val -10 -5 1ccc act tcc aag ccc acc aca act ggg aag ggc tgc cac att ggc agg 211Pro Thr Ser Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Gly Lys Gly Cys His Ile Gly Arg 5 10 15ttc aaa tct ctg tca cca cag gag cta gcg agc ttc aag aag gcc agg 259Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Ala Ser Phe Lys Lys Ala Arg 20 25 30 35gac gcc ttg gaa gag tca ctc aag ctg aaa aac tgg agt tgc agc tct 307Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Lys Leu Lys Asn Trp Ser Cys Ser Ser 40 45 50cct gtc ttc ccc ggg aat tgg gac ctg agg ctt ctc cag gtg agg gag 355Pro Val Phe Pro Gly Asn Trp Asp Leu Arg Leu Leu Gln Val Arg Glu 55 60 65cgc cct gtg gcc ttg gag gct gag ctg gcc ctg acg ctg aag gtc ctg 403Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu 70 75 80gag gcc gct gct ggc cca gcc ctg gag gac gtc cta gac cag ccc ctt 451Glu Ala Ala Ala Gly Pro Ala Leu Glu Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu 85 90 95cac acc ctg cac cac atc ctc tcc cag ctc cag gcc tgt atc cag cct 499His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Gln Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro100 105 110 115cag ccc aca gca ggg ccc agg ccc cgg ggc cgc ctc cac cac tgg ctg 547Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Pro Arg Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu 120 125 130cac cgg ctc cag gag gcc ccc aaa aag gag tcc gct ggc tgc ctg gag 595His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Ala Gly Cys Leu Glu 135 140 145gca tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc ctc ctc acg cga gac ctc aaa 643Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Lys 150 155 160tat gtg gcc gat ggg aac ctg tgt ctg aga acg tca acc cac cct gag 691Tyr Val Ala Asp Gly Asn Leu Cys Leu Arg Thr Ser Thr His Pro Glu 165 170 175tcc acc tga caccccacac cttatttatg cgctgagccc tactccttcc 740Ser Thr *180ttaatttatt tcctctcacc ctttatttat gaagctgcag ccctgactga gacatagggc 800tgagtttatt gttttacttt tatacattat gcacaaataa acaacaagga attgga 85620200PRTHomo sapiensSIGNAL(1)...(19) 20Met Ala Ala Ala Trp Thr Val Val Leu Val Thr Leu Val Leu Gly Leu -15 -10 -5Ala Val Ala Gly Pro Val Pro Thr Ser Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Gly Lys 1 5 10Gly Cys His Ile Gly Arg Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Ala 15 20 25Ser Phe Lys Lys Ala Arg Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Lys Leu Lys30 35 40 45Asn Trp Ser Cys Ser Ser Pro Val Phe Pro Gly Asn Trp Asp Leu Arg 50 55 60Leu Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala 65 70 75Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Gly Pro Ala Leu Glu Asp 80 85 90Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu 95 100 105Gln Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Pro Arg Gly110 115 120 125Arg Leu His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu 130 135 140Ser Ala Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu 145 150 155Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Lys Tyr Val Ala Asp Gly Asn Leu Cys Leu Arg 160 165 170Thr Ser Thr His Pro Glu Ser Thr 175 18021734DNAHomo sapienssig_peptide(53)...(127)mat_peptide(128)...(655)CDS(53)...(655) 21tgggtgacag cctcagagtg tttcttctgc tgacaaagac cagagatcag ga atg aaa 58 Met Lys -25cta gac atg acc ggg gac tgc atg cca gtg ctg gtg ctg atg gcc gca 106Leu Asp Met Thr Gly Asp Cys Met Pro Val Leu Val Leu Met Ala Ala -20 -15 -10gtg ctg acc gtg act gga gca gtt cct gtc gcc agg ctc cgc ggg gct 154Val Leu Thr Val Thr Gly Ala Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu Arg Gly Ala -5 1 5ctc ccg gat gca agg ggc tgc cac ata gcc cag ttc aag tcc ctg tct 202Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser 10 15 20 25cca cag gag ctg cag gcc ttt aag agg gcc aaa gat gcc tta gaa gag 250Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu 30 35 40tcg ctt ctg ctg aag gac tgc aag tgc cgc tcc cgc ctc ttc ccc agg 298Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp Cys Lys Cys Arg Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg 45 50 55acc tgg gac ctg agg cag ctg cag gtg agg gag cgc ccc gtg gct ttg 346Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu 60 65 70gag gct gag ctg gcc ctg acg ctg aag gtt ctg gag gcc acc gct gac 394Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp 75 80 85act gac cca gcc ctg ggg gat gtc ttg gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg 442Thr Asp

Pro Ala Leu Gly Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu 90 95 100 105cac cat atc ctc tcc cag ctc cgg gcc tgt atc cag cct cag ccc acg 490His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr 110 115 120gca ggg ccc agg acc cgg ggc cgc ctc cac cat tgg ctg cac cgg ctc 538Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu 125 130 135cag gag gcc cca aaa aag gag tcc cct ggc tgc ctc gag gcc tct gtc 586Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val 140 145 150acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc ctc ctc acg cga gac ctg aat tgt gtt gcc 634Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala 155 160 165agc ggg gac ctg tgt gtc tga cccttccgcc agtcatgcaa cctgagattt 685Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val *170 175tatttataaa ttagccactt ggcttaattt attgccaccc agtcgctat 73422200PRTHomo sapiensSIGNAL(1)...(25) 22Met Lys Leu Asp Met Thr Gly Asp Cys Met Pro Val Leu Val Leu Met-25 -20 -15 -10Ala Ala Val Leu Thr Val Thr Gly Ala Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu Arg -5 1 5Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser 10 15 20Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu 25 30 35Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp Cys Lys Cys Arg Ser Arg Leu Phe40 45 50 55Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val 60 65 70Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr 75 80 85Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Gly Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His 90 95 100Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln 105 110 115Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu His120 125 130 135Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala 140 145 150Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys 155 160 165Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 170 17523528DNAArtificial SequenceIL-28A mutant C48S 23gtt cct gtc gcc agg ctc cac ggg gct ctc ccg gat gca agg ggc tgc 48Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys 1 5 10 15cac ata gcc cag ttc aag tcc ctg tct cca cag gag ctg cag gcc ttt 96His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe 20 25 30aag agg gcc aaa gat gcc tta gaa gag tcg ctt ctg ctg aag gac tcc 144Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp Ser 35 40 45agg tgc cac tcc cgc ctc ttc ccc agg acc tgg gac ctg agg cag ctg 192Arg Cys His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu 50 55 60cag gtg agg gag cgc ccc atg gct ttg gag gct gag ctg gcc ctg acg 240Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr 65 70 75 80ctg aag gtt ctg gag gcc acc gct gac act gac cca gcc ctg gtg gac 288Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val Asp 85 90 95gtc ttg gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg cac cat atc ctc tcc cag ttc 336Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Phe 100 105 110cgg gcc tgt atc cag cct cag ccc acg gca ggg ccc agg acc cgg ggc 384Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly 115 120 125cgc ctc cac cat tgg ctg tac cgg ctc cag gag gcc cca aaa aag gag 432Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu 130 135 140tcc cct ggc tgc ctc gag gcc tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc ctc 480Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu145 150 155 160ctc acg cga gac ctg aat tgt gtt gcc agt ggg gac ctg tgt gtc tga 528Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val * 165 170 17524175PRTArtificial SequenceIL-28A mutant C48S 24Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys 1 5 10 15His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe 20 25 30Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp Ser 35 40 45Arg Cys His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu 50 55 60Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr65 70 75 80Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val Asp 85 90 95Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Phe 100 105 110Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly 115 120 125Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu 130 135 140Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu145 150 155 160Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 165 170 17525531DNAArtificial Sequencemet IL-28A mutant C49S 25atg gtt cct gtc gcc agg ctc cac ggg gct ctc ccg gat gca agg ggc 48Met Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly 1 5 10 15tgc cac ata gcc cag ttc aag tcc ctg tct cca cag gag ctg cag gcc 96Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala 20 25 30ttt aag agg gcc aaa gat gcc tta gaa gag tcg ctt ctg ctg aag gac 144Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp 35 40 45tcc agg tgc cac tcc cgc ctc ttc ccc agg acc tgg gac ctg agg cag 192Ser Arg Cys His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln 50 55 60ctg cag gtg agg gag cgc ccc atg gct ttg gag gct gag ctg gcc ctg 240Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu 65 70 75 80acg ctg aag gtt ctg gag gcc acc gct gac act gac cca gcc ctg gtg 288Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val 85 90 95gac gtc ttg gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg cac cat atc ctc tcc cag 336Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln 100 105 110ttc cgg gcc tgt atc cag cct cag ccc acg gca ggg ccc agg acc cgg 384Phe Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg 115 120 125ggc cgc ctc cac cat tgg ctg tac cgg ctc cag gag gcc cca aaa aag 432Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys 130 135 140gag tcc cct ggc tgc ctc gag gcc tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc 480Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg145 150 155 160ctc ctc acg cga gac ctg aat tgt gtt gcc agt ggg gac ctg tgt gtc 528Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 165 170 175tga 531*26176PRTArtificial Sequencemet IL-28A mutant C49S 26Met Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly 1 5 10 15Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala 20 25 30Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp 35 40 45Ser Arg Cys His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln 50 55 60Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu65 70 75 80Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val 85 90 95Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln 100 105 110Phe Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg 115 120 125Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys 130 135 140Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg145 150 155 160Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 165 170 17527528DNAArtificial SequenceIL-28A mutant C50S 27gtt cct gtc gcc agg ctc cac ggg gct ctc ccg gat gca agg ggc tgc 48Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys 1 5 10 15cac ata gcc cag ttc aag tcc ctg tct cca cag gag ctg cag gcc ttt 96His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe 20 25 30aag agg gcc aaa gat gcc tta gaa gag tcg ctt ctg ctg aag gac tgc 144Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp Cys 35 40 45agg tcc cac tcc cgc ctc ttc ccc agg acc tgg gac ctg agg cag ctg 192Arg Ser His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu 50 55 60cag gtg agg gag cgc ccc atg gct ttg gag gct gag ctg gcc ctg acg 240Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr 65 70 75 80ctg aag gtt ctg gag gcc acc gct gac act gac cca gcc ctg gtg gac 288Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val Asp 85 90 95gtc ttg gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg cac cat atc ctc tcc cag ttc 336Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Phe 100 105 110cgg gcc tgt atc cag cct cag ccc acg gca ggg ccc agg acc cgg ggc 384Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly 115 120 125cgc ctc cac cat tgg ctg tac cgg ctc cag gag gcc cca aaa aag gag 432Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu 130 135 140tcc cct ggc tgc ctc gag gcc tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc ctc 480Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu145 150 155 160ctc acg cga gac ctg aat tgt gtt gcc agt ggg gac ctg tgt gtc tga 528Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val * 165 170 17528175PRTArtificial SequenceIL-28A mutant C50S 28Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly Cys 1 5 10 15His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala Phe 20 25 30Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp Cys 35 40 45Arg Ser His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln Leu 50 55 60Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr65 70 75 80Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val Asp 85 90 95Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Phe 100 105 110Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg Gly 115 120 125Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu 130 135 140Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu145 150 155 160Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 165 170 17529531DNAArtificial Sequencemet IL-28A mutant C51S 29atg gtt cct gtc gcc agg ctc cac ggg gct ctc ccg gat gca agg ggc 48Met Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly 1 5 10 15tgc cac ata gcc cag ttc aag tcc ctg tct cca cag gag ctg cag gcc 96Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala 20 25 30ttt aag agg gcc aaa gat gcc tta gaa gag tcg ctt ctg ctg aag gac 144Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp 35 40 45tgc agg tcc cac tcc cgc ctc ttc ccc agg acc tgg gac ctg agg cag 192Cys Arg Ser His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln 50 55 60ctg cag gtg agg gag cgc ccc atg gct ttg gag gct gag ctg gcc ctg 240Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu 65 70 75 80acg ctg aag gtt ctg gag gcc acc gct gac act gac cca gcc ctg gtg 288Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val 85 90 95gac gtc ttg gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg cac cat atc ctc tcc cag 336Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln 100 105 110ttc cgg gcc tgt atc cag cct cag ccc acg gca ggg ccc agg acc cgg 384Phe Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg 115 120 125ggc cgc ctc cac cat tgg ctg tac cgg ctc cag gag gcc cca aaa aag 432Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys 130 135 140gag tcc cct ggc tgc ctc gag gcc tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc 480Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg145 150 155 160ctc ctc acg cga gac ctg aat tgt gtt gcc agt ggg gac ctg tgt gtc 528Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 165 170 175tga 531*30176PRTArtificial Sequencemet IL-28A mutant C51S 30Met Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly 1 5 10 15Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala 20 25 30Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp 35 40 45Cys Arg Ser His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln 50 55 60Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu65 70 75 80Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val 85 90 95Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln 100 105 110Phe Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg 115 120 125Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys 130 135 140Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg145 150 155 160Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 165 170 17531546DNAArtificial SequenceIL-29 mutant C171S 31ggt ccg gtt ccg acc tct aaa cca acc acc act ggt aaa ggt tgc cac 48Gly Pro Val Pro Thr Ser Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Gly Lys Gly Cys His 1 5 10 15atc ggt cgt ttc aaa tct ctg tct ccg cag gaa ctg gct tct ttc aaa 96Ile Gly Arg Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Ala Ser Phe Lys 20 25 30aaa gct cgt gac gct ctg gaa gaa tct ctg aaa ctg aaa aac tgg tct 144Lys Ala Arg Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Lys Leu Lys Asn Trp Ser 35 40 45tgc tct tct ccg gtt ttc ccg ggt aac tgg gat ctg cgt ctg ctg cag 192Cys Ser Ser Pro Val Phe Pro Gly Asn Trp Asp Leu Arg Leu Leu Gln 50 55 60gtt cgt gaa cgt ccg gtt gct ctg gaa gct gaa ctg gct ctg acc ctg 240Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu 65 70 75 80aaa gtt ctg gaa gct gct gca ggt cct gct ctg gaa gat gtt ctg gat 288Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Gly Pro Ala Leu Glu Asp Val Leu Asp 85 90 95cag ccg ctg cac act ctg cac cac atc ctg tct cag ctg cag gct tgc 336Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Gln Ala Cys 100 105 110att caa ccg caa ccg acc gct ggt ccg cgt ccg cgt ggt cgt ctg cac 384Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Pro Arg Gly Arg Leu His 115 120

125cac tgg ctg cat cgt ctg cag gaa gct ccg aaa aaa gaa tct gct ggt 432His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Ala Gly 130 135 140tgc ctg gaa gct tct gtt acc ttc aac ctg ttc cgt ctg ctg acc cgt 480Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr Arg145 150 155 160gat ctg aaa tac gtt gct gat ggt aac ctg tct ctg cgt acc tct acc 528Asp Leu Lys Tyr Val Ala Asp Gly Asn Leu Ser Leu Arg Thr Ser Thr 165 170 175cat ccg gaa tct acc taa 546His Pro Glu Ser Thr * 18032181PRTArtificial SequenceIL-29 mutant C171S 32Gly Pro Val Pro Thr Ser Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Gly Lys Gly Cys His 1 5 10 15Ile Gly Arg Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Ala Ser Phe Lys 20 25 30Lys Ala Arg Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Lys Leu Lys Asn Trp Ser 35 40 45Cys Ser Ser Pro Val Phe Pro Gly Asn Trp Asp Leu Arg Leu Leu Gln 50 55 60Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr Leu65 70 75 80Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Gly Pro Ala Leu Glu Asp Val Leu Asp 85 90 95Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Gln Ala Cys 100 105 110Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Pro Arg Gly Arg Leu His 115 120 125His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Ala Gly 130 135 140Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr Arg145 150 155 160Asp Leu Lys Tyr Val Ala Asp Gly Asn Leu Ser Leu Arg Thr Ser Thr 165 170 175His Pro Glu Ser Thr 18033549DNAArtificial Sequencemet IL-29 mutant C172S 33atg ggt ccg gtt ccg acc tct aaa cca acc acc act ggt aaa ggt tgc 48Met Gly Pro Val Pro Thr Ser Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Gly Lys Gly Cys 1 5 10 15cac atc ggt cgt ttc aaa tct ctg tct ccg cag gaa ctg gct tct ttc 96His Ile Gly Arg Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Ala Ser Phe 20 25 30aaa aaa gct cgt gac gct ctg gaa gaa tct ctg aaa ctg aaa aac tgg 144Lys Lys Ala Arg Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Lys Leu Lys Asn Trp 35 40 45tct tgc tct tct ccg gtt ttc ccg ggt aac tgg gat ctg cgt ctg ctg 192Ser Cys Ser Ser Pro Val Phe Pro Gly Asn Trp Asp Leu Arg Leu Leu 50 55 60cag gtt cgt gaa cgt ccg gtt gct ctg gaa gct gaa ctg gct ctg acc 240Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr 65 70 75 80ctg aaa gtt ctg gaa gct gct gca ggt cct gct ctg gaa gat gtt ctg 288Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Gly Pro Ala Leu Glu Asp Val Leu 85 90 95gat cag ccg ctg cac act ctg cac cac atc ctg tct cag ctg cag gct 336Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Gln Ala 100 105 110tgc att caa ccg caa ccg acc gct ggt ccg cgt ccg cgt ggt cgt ctg 384Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Pro Arg Gly Arg Leu 115 120 125cac cac tgg ctg cat cgt ctg cag gaa gct ccg aaa aaa gaa tct gct 432His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Ala 130 135 140ggt tgc ctg gaa gct tct gtt acc ttc aac ctg ttc cgt ctg ctg acc 480Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr145 150 155 160cgt gat ctg aaa tac gtt gct gat ggt aac ctg tct ctg cgt acc tct 528Arg Asp Leu Lys Tyr Val Ala Asp Gly Asn Leu Ser Leu Arg Thr Ser 165 170 175acc cat ccg gaa tct acc taa 549Thr His Pro Glu Ser Thr * 18034182PRTArtificial Sequencemet IL-29 mutant C172S 34Met Gly Pro Val Pro Thr Ser Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Gly Lys Gly Cys 1 5 10 15His Ile Gly Arg Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Ala Ser Phe 20 25 30Lys Lys Ala Arg Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Lys Leu Lys Asn Trp 35 40 45Ser Cys Ser Ser Pro Val Phe Pro Gly Asn Trp Asp Leu Arg Leu Leu 50 55 60Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr65 70 75 80Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Gly Pro Ala Leu Glu Asp Val Leu 85 90 95Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Gln Ala 100 105 110Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Pro Arg Gly Arg Leu 115 120 125His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Ala 130 135 140Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr145 150 155 160Arg Asp Leu Lys Tyr Val Ala Asp Gly Asn Leu Ser Leu Arg Thr Ser 165 170 175Thr His Pro Glu Ser Thr 18035531DNAArtificial Sequencemet IL-28A 35atg gtt cct gtc gcc agg ctc cac ggg gct ctc ccg gat gca agg ggc 48Met Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly 1 5 10 15tgc cac ata gcc cag ttc aag tcc ctg tct cca cag gag ctg cag gcc 96Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala 20 25 30ttt aag agg gcc aaa gat gcc tta gaa gag tcg ctt ctg ctg aag gac 144Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp 35 40 45tgc agg tgc cac tcc cgc ctc ttc ccc agg acc tgg gac ctg agg cag 192Cys Arg Cys His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln 50 55 60ctg cag gtg agg gag cgc ccc atg gct ttg gag gct gag ctg gcc ctg 240Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu 65 70 75 80acg ctg aag gtt ctg gag gcc acc gct gac act gac cca gcc ctg gtg 288Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val 85 90 95gac gtc ttg gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg cac cat atc ctc tcc cag 336Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln 100 105 110ttc cgg gcc tgt atc cag cct cag ccc acg gca ggg ccc agg acc cgg 384Phe Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg 115 120 125ggc cgc ctc cac cat tgg ctg tac cgg ctc cag gag gcc cca aaa aag 432Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys 130 135 140gag tcc cct ggc tgc ctc gag gcc tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc 480Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg145 150 155 160ctc ctc acg cga gac ctg aat tgt gtt gcc agt ggg gac ctg tgt gtc 528Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 165 170 175tga 531*36176PRTArtificial Sequencemet IL-28A 36Met Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu His Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly 1 5 10 15Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala 20 25 30Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp 35 40 45Cys Arg Cys His Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln 50 55 60Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Met Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu65 70 75 80Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Val 85 90 95Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln 100 105 110Phe Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg 115 120 125Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu Tyr Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys 130 135 140Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg145 150 155 160Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 165 170 17537621DNAArtificial Sequencemet IL-29 37atg ggc cct gtc ccc act tcc aag ccc acc aca act ggg aag ggc tgc 48Met Gly Pro Val Pro Thr Ser Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Gly Lys Gly Cys 1 5 10 15cac att ggc agg ttc aaa tct ctg tca cca cag gag cta gcg agc ttc 96His Ile Gly Arg Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Ala Ser Phe 20 25 30aag aag gcc agg gac gcc ttg gaa gag tca ctc aag ctg aaa aac tgg 144Lys Lys Ala Arg Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Lys Leu Lys Asn Trp 35 40 45agt tgc agc tct cct gtc ttc ccc ggg aat tgg gac ctg agg ctt ctc 192Ser Cys Ser Ser Pro Val Phe Pro Gly Asn Trp Asp Leu Arg Leu Leu 50 55 60cag gtg agg gag cgc cct gtg gcc ttg gag gct gag ctg gcc ctg acg 240Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr 65 70 75 80ctg aag gtc ctg gag gcc gct gct ggc cca gcc ctg gag gac gtc cta 288Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Gly Pro Ala Leu Glu Asp Val Leu 85 90 95gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg cac cac atc ctc tcc cag ctc cag gcc 336Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Gln Ala 100 105 110tgt atc cag cct cag ccc aca gca ggg ccc agg ccc cgg ggc cgc ctc 384Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Pro Arg Gly Arg Leu 115 120 125cac cac tgg ctg cac cgg ctc cag gag gcc ccc aaa aag gag tcc gct 432His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Ala 130 135 140ggc tgc ctg gag gca tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc ctc ctc acg 480Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr145 150 155 160cga gac ctc aaa tat gtg gcc gat ggg aac ctg tgt ctg aga acg tca 528Arg Asp Leu Lys Tyr Val Ala Asp Gly Asn Leu Cys Leu Arg Thr Ser 165 170 175acc cac cct gag tcc acc tga caccccacac cttatttatg cgctgagccc 579Thr His Pro Glu Ser Thr * 180tactccttcc ttaatttatt tcctctcacc ctttatttat ga 62138182PRTArtificial Sequencemet IL-29 38Met Gly Pro Val Pro Thr Ser Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Gly Lys Gly Cys 1 5 10 15His Ile Gly Arg Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Ala Ser Phe 20 25 30Lys Lys Ala Arg Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Lys Leu Lys Asn Trp 35 40 45Ser Cys Ser Ser Pro Val Phe Pro Gly Asn Trp Asp Leu Arg Leu Leu 50 55 60Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu Thr65 70 75 80Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Gly Pro Ala Leu Glu Asp Val Leu 85 90 95Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln Leu Gln Ala 100 105 110Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Pro Arg Gly Arg Leu 115 120 125His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys Glu Ser Ala 130 135 140Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg Leu Leu Thr145 150 155 160Arg Asp Leu Lys Tyr Val Ala Asp Gly Asn Leu Cys Leu Arg Thr Ser 165 170 175Thr His Pro Glu Ser Thr 18039531DNAArtificial Sequencemet IL-28B 39atg gtt cct gtc gcc agg ctc cgc ggg gct ctc ccg gat gca agg ggc 48Met Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu Arg Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly 1 5 10 15tgc cac ata gcc cag ttc aag tcc ctg tct cca cag gag ctg cag gcc 96Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala 20 25 30ttt aag agg gcc aaa gat gcc tta gaa gag tcg ctt ctg ctg aag gac 144Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp 35 40 45tgc aag tgc cgc tcc cgc ctc ttc ccc agg acc tgg gac ctg agg cag 192Cys Lys Cys Arg Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln 50 55 60ctg cag gtg agg gag cgc ccc gtg gct ttg gag gct gag ctg gcc ctg 240Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu 65 70 75 80acg ctg aag gtt ctg gag gcc acc gct gac act gac cca gcc ctg ggg 288Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Gly 85 90 95gat gtc ttg gac cag ccc ctt cac acc ctg cac cat atc ctc tcc cag 336Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln 100 105 110ctc cgg gcc tgt atc cag cct cag ccc acg gca ggg ccc agg acc cgg 384Leu Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg 115 120 125ggc cgc ctc cac cat tgg ctg cac cgg ctc cag gag gcc cca aaa aag 432Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys 130 135 140gag tcc cct ggc tgc ctc gag gcc tct gtc acc ttc aac ctc ttc cgc 480Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg145 150 155 160ctc ctc acg cga gac ctg aat tgt gtt gcc agc ggg gac ctg tgt gtc 528Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 165 170 175tga 531*40176PRTArtificial Sequencemet IL-28B 40Met Val Pro Val Ala Arg Leu Arg Gly Ala Leu Pro Asp Ala Arg Gly 1 5 10 15Cys His Ile Ala Gln Phe Lys Ser Leu Ser Pro Gln Glu Leu Gln Ala 20 25 30Phe Lys Arg Ala Lys Asp Ala Leu Glu Glu Ser Leu Leu Leu Lys Asp 35 40 45Cys Lys Cys Arg Ser Arg Leu Phe Pro Arg Thr Trp Asp Leu Arg Gln 50 55 60Leu Gln Val Arg Glu Arg Pro Val Ala Leu Glu Ala Glu Leu Ala Leu65 70 75 80Thr Leu Lys Val Leu Glu Ala Thr Ala Asp Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Gly 85 90 95Asp Val Leu Asp Gln Pro Leu His Thr Leu His His Ile Leu Ser Gln 100 105 110Leu Arg Ala Cys Ile Gln Pro Gln Pro Thr Ala Gly Pro Arg Thr Arg 115 120 125Gly Arg Leu His His Trp Leu His Arg Leu Gln Glu Ala Pro Lys Lys 130 135 140Glu Ser Pro Gly Cys Leu Glu Ala Ser Val Thr Phe Asn Leu Phe Arg145 150 155 160Leu Leu Thr Arg Asp Leu Asn Cys Val Ala Ser Gly Asp Leu Cys Val 165 170 175

Claims

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.

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