<p>This application relates to recombinant human interferon-like proteins. I n one embodiment a recombinant protein created by gene shuffling technology is described having enhanced anti-viral and anti-proliferative activities in comparison to naturally occurring human interferon alpha 2b (HuIFN-a2b). Th e invention encompasses a polynucleotide encoding the protein and recombinan t vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide. Preferably the polyn ucleotide is selected from the group of polynucleotides each having a sequen ce at least 93% identical to SEQ ID: No. 1 and the protein is selected from the group of proteins each having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identi cal to SEQ ID No: 2. The proteins and compositions comprising the proteins c an be used for treatment of conditions responsive to interferon therapy, suc h as viral diseases and cancer.</p>
