DNA encoding polypeptides having interferon-gamma inducing activity

摘要

Disclosed are created stable polypeptides which are capable of inducing the production of interferon-gamma by immunocompetent cells. The present polypeptides contain specific amino acid sequences usually derived from the wild-type polypeptides, being capable of the production of interferon-gamma, by replacing the cysteine(s) with different amino acid(s). The present polypeptides possess a stability and an activity of inducing the production of IFN- by immunocompetent cells, both of which are significantly higher than those of the wild-type polypeptides. In addition to the activity, the present polypeptides can exhibit remarkable activities of inducing the formation of killer cells and enhancing thier cytotoxicities. The present polypeptides are easily obtainable by the process according to the present invention using recombinant DNA techniques. Thus the present polypeptides are useful for agents to treat and/or prevent susceptive diseases such as viral diseases, infections, malignant tumors, and immunopathies.