Immunex Corporation

Amgen Inc.

Zymogenetics, Inc.

Ares Trading S.a.

Kirk P Van Ness

Stewart D Lyman

Raymond J Paxton

Jeffrey T McGrew

Michael T Trentalange

Bradley D Dell

Jeffrey T Mcgrew

Wayne J Wallis

Linda Zuckerman

Alisa M Littau

Hans Otto Lennart Graffner

Rafael A Ponce, Jr

Matthew S Holdren

Claudia Pena Rossi

Jr Ponce Rafael A

Jr Rafael A Ponce

Modified, furin resistant human TSLP polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the modified human TSLP polypeptides are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions, B and T cell activation agents, assays and methods of use are also described.

Nucleic acids encoding modified human thymic stromal lymphopoietin

The invention relates to novel combination therapies involving BLyS or BLyS/APRIL inhibition and immunosuppressants for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. One preferred method is where the BLyS and/or APRIL antagonist is a Fc-fusion protein which can be a TACI-Fc-fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of TACI or a functional fragment thereof, a BAFF-R-Fc-fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of BAFF-R or a functional fragment thereof, or a BCMA-Fc-fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of BCMA or a functional fragment thereof. In the methods of the present invention some of the immunosuppressive drugs contemplated include cyclophosphamide (CYC), azathioprine (AZA), cyclosporine A (CSA), or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), although any drug that suppresses the immune system may be suitable. The methods of the present invention reduce the levels of various immunoglobulins in patients in need of such reduction, such as those suffering from autoimmune diseases.

Combination of BLyS and/or APRIL inhibition and immunosuppressants for treatment of autoimmune disease

Modified human thymic stromal lymphopoietin

Nucleic acid encoding modified human thymic stromal lymphopoietin

The invention provides methods of increasing the production of polypeptides, optionally recombinant polypeptides, from mammalian cells using xanthine derivatives or hybrid polar compounds and cultures containing the same. Combinations of inducers including a hybrid polar compound and/or a xanthine derivative and/or an alkanoic acid can also be used, optionally at temperatures less than 37&#xb0; C.

Methods for increasing polypeptide production

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Kirk P Van Ness