| abstract |
Disclosed is purified human leukocyte interferon, including human leukocyte interferon obtained from Namalva cells ("Namalva interferon") which, for the first time, is shown to contain a mixture of six proteins having the molecular weights of 18,400±200 daltons, 20,000±200 daltons, 20,300-20,400±200 daltons, 19,500±200, 21,300±200 daltons, and 23,400±200 daltons, as determined by SDS PAGE. Crude human leukocyte or Namalva interferon was purified using a combination of gel filtration and tandem affinity chromatography which combines ligand affinity chromatography and antibody affinity chromatography. Also disclosed art immunogenic compositions containing the purified interferon, and their use to prepare monospecific antibodies such as monoclonal antibodies which bind at least one species of the interferons. The antibodies may be used in affinity chromatography techniques to obtain highly purified human leukocyte interferons obtained from various human cells including Namalva cells. |