Modulation of socs expression in therapeutic regimens

Abstract

A method is provided for treating conditions that are susceptible of treatment with a cytokine wherein certain physiological processes normally associated with cytokine administration (e.g. the induction of SOCS 1 and/or SOCS 3) are diminished or eliminated. The method comprises continuously administering a controlled dose of a cytokine to an individual afflicted with a condition susceptible of treatment with the cytokine.

1 . A method of avoiding the induction of mRNA encoding suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1 (SEQ ID NO: 1) polypeptide in a human cell exposed to a therapeutically effective amount of alpha interferon capable of inducing the SOCS 1 mRNA, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) exposing the human cell to a series of alpha interferon dilutions to generate dose response data so as to identify the minimal amount of alpha interferon that will induce mRNA encoding SOCS 1 in the human cell; and   (b) exposing the human cell to a therapeutically effective amount of a SOCS 1 inducing alpha interferon that is less than the minimal amount identified in step (a)   so that the induction of mRNA encoding SOCS 1 in the human cell is avoided.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the alpha interferon is combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the alpha interferon is parenterally administered to a human. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the human cell is in a patient and the alpha interferon is administered to the patient via continuous infusion. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the alpha interferon is administered to the patient by a continuous infusion pump.