The present invention provides isolated anti-interferon alpha monoclonal
antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that inhibit the
biological activity of multiple interferon (IFN) alpha subtypes but do
not substantially inhibit the biological activity of IFN alpha 21 or the
biological activity of either IFN beta or IFN omega. Immunoconjugates,
bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the
antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also
provides methods for inhibiting the biological activity of IFN alpha
using the antibodies of the invention, as well as methods of treating
disease or disorders mediated by IFN alpha, such as autoimmune diseases,
transplant rejection and graft versus host disease, by administering the
antibodies of the invention.