| abstract |
Kind Code: A1 Methods and compositions useful for the diagnosis and treatment of symptoms having a correlation with the expression of abnormal levels of interferon-α (IFNα) in a subject are provided. The present invention relates the biological activity of at least two interferon alpha (“IFNα”) protein subtypes to protein subtypes A, 2, B2, C, F, G, H2, I, J1, K, 4a. , Antibodies that selectively neutralize 4b and WA, but do not neutralize at least one biological activity of INFα protein subtype D, and compositions comprising variants, derivatives and fragments thereof, and methods of making the same. Examples of biological activity for measurement are MxA promoter activation or antiviral activity. Because of the inherent selectivity of the antibodies of the invention, they are useful for the detection and / or therapeutic use of IFNα subtypes in samples or tissues. Such uses include, but are not limited to, treatment and / or alleviation of INFα-related abnormalities (eg, SLE, lupus, type I diabetes, psoriasis, AIDS and graft versus host disease). [Selection figure] None |