| abstract |
The present application relates to recombinant human interferon-like proteins. In one embodiment, the recombinant protein produced by gene shuffling technology has increased antiviral and antiproliferative activity compared to naturally occurring human interferon alpha 2b (HuIFN-α2b). The present invention includes a polynucleotide encoding the protein and a recombinant vector, and a host cell having the polynucleotide. Preferably, said polynucleotides are selected from the group of polynucleotides comprising sequences that are each at least 93% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1, and said proteins are each at least 85% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2. Selected from the group of proteins containing certain amino acids. The protein and composition comprising the protein can be used to treat diseases that are responsive to interferon therapy, such as viral diseases and cancer. |