Method and composition for treating paramyxovirus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of treating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) through the exogenous administration of recombinant or natural interferon-beta (IFN-β) to lung epithelial cells. Preferably, IFN-β is administered to hosts suffering from RSV in effective nebulized or aerosolized doses.

What we claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for treating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) comprising administering an effective amount of interferon-β (IFN-β) to lung epithelial cells harboring RSV.  
     
     
         2 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein said interferon-β (IFN-β) is recombinant interferon-β.  
     
     
         3 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein said interferon-β (IFN-β) is natural interferon-β.  
     
     
         4 . The method of    claim 3   , wherein said natural interferon-β is human interferon-β.  
     
     
         5 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein said lung epithelial cells harboring RSV are human lung epithelial cells.  
     
     
         6 . A method for treating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) comprising administering an effective amount of interferon-β (IFN-β) to the lungs of a host suffering from RSV via respiratory tract inhalation.  
     
     
         7 . The method of    claim 6   , wherein said interferon-β (IFN-β) is a nebulized solution of interferon-β (IFN-β).  
     
     
         8 . The method of    claim 6   , wherein said interferon-β (IFN-β) is recombinant interferon-β.  
     
     
         9 . The method of    claim 6   , wherein said interferon-β (IFN-β) is natural interferon-β.  
     
     
         10 . The method of    claim 9   , wherein said natural interferon-β is human interferon-β.  
     
     
         11 . The method of    claim 6   , wherein said lung epithelial cells harboring RSV are human lung epithelial cells.