title: Interferon lambda as a potential new therapeutic for hepatitis C.
abstract: Interferon lambdas (IFN-lambda) are Type III interferons with biological activity, including induction of antiviral genes, similar to Type I IFNs, but signal through a distinct receptor complex. The expression pattern for the IFN-lambda receptor is more cell specific than the widely distributed IFN-alpha receptor, suggesting in vivo, IFN-lambda may have fewer side effects than IFN-alpha, such as less hematologic toxicities. A PEGylated form of IFN-lambda (PEG-rIL-29) was well tolerated in animals and did not result in hematologic toxicity. Clinical data from initial studies of PEG-rIL-29 has demonstrated antiviral effects in patients with hepatitis C without producing hematologic toxicity. These preclinical and early clinical data support PEG-rIL-29 as a potential new therapeutic agent for treatment of patients with hepatitis C.
authors.affiliation: ZymoGenetics, Inc., Seattle, Washington 98102, USA. millerd@zgi.com
authors.forename: Dennis M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Kevin M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Klucher
authors.forename: Jeremy A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Diana F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Hausman
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fontana
authors.forename: Doug E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000378:metabolism; D012008:Recurrence; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D007378:Interleukins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols