HISTAMINE RELEASE INHIBITORY FACTOR AND PREPARATIONS THEREFORE

摘要

The present invention relates to a novel inhibitor of histamine release, designed HRIF which is believed to represent a promising therapeutic agent for treatment of basophil and mast cell dependent disorders, including allergic diseases. This inhibitor is a human cytokine that antagonizes a human histamine releasing cytokine(s) designated HRF. HRIF has a molecular weight of about 8,000 to 10,000 daltons as determined by gel exclusion chromatography and has also been purified by ion exchange chromatography. HRIF is stable when heated at 60 DEG C for one hour, when frozen and thawed four times, and when treated with neuraminidase. Treatment with trypsin or chymotrypsin substantially destroys the activity of HRIF. The present invention includes compositions comprising substantially purified HRIF as well as methods for HRIF production and use. The invention also includes HRIF-producing cell lines and methods for producing such cell lines.