Interferon lambda as a potential new therapeutic for hepatitis C.
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.
Miller
Dennis M
DM
ZymoGenetics, Inc., Seattle, Washington 98102, USA. millerd@zgi.com
Klucher
Kevin M
KM
Freeman
Jeremy A
JA
Hausman
Diana F
DF
Fontana
David
D
Williams
Doug E
DE
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
D007378:Interleukins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols