scholarly journals Impact of Cethromycin (ABT-773) Therapy on Microbiological, Histologic, Immunologic, and Respiratory Indices in a Murine Model of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Lower Respiratory Infection

2004 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 2897-2904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana María Ríos ◽  
Asunción Mejías ◽  
Susana Chávez-Bueno ◽  
Mónica Fonseca-Aten ◽  
Kathy Katz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major etiologic agent of acute lower respiratory infections. We evaluated the antimicrobial and immunologic effects of cethromycin (ABT-773), a ketolide antibiotic, for the treatment of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in a mouse model. Eight-week-old BALB/c mice were inoculated intranasally once with 106 CFU of M. pneumoniae on day 0. Treatment was started 24 h after inoculation. Groups of mice were treated subcutaneously with cethromycin at 25 mg/kg of body weight or with placebo daily until sacrifice. Five to ten mice per group were evaluated at days 1, 4, 7, and 10 after inoculation. Outcome variables included bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for M. pneumoniae quantitative culture and cytokine and chemokine concentration determinations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], gamma interferon [IFN-γ], interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-2, IL-4, IL-12, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [MCP-1], and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α [MIP-1α]), histopathologic score of the lungs (HPS), and pulmonary function tests (PFT) using whole-body, unrestrained plethysmography at the baseline and post-methacholine exposure as indicators of airway obstruction (AO) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), respectively. The cethromycin-treated mice had a greater reduction in M. pneumoniae culture titers than placebo-treated mice, reaching statistical significance on days 7 and 10 (P < 0.05). HPS was significantly reduced in cethromycin-treated mice compared with placebo-treated mice on days 4, 7, and 10 (P < 0.05). Cytokine concentrations in BAL samples were reduced in mice that received cethromycin, and the differences were statistically significant for 7 of the 10 cytokines measured (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12, MCP-1, and MIP-1α) on day 4 (P < 0.05). PFT values were improved in the cethromycin-treated mice, with AO and AHR significantly reduced on day 4 (P < 0.05). In this mouse model, treatment with cethromycin significantly reduced M. pneumoniae culture titers in BAL samples, cytokine and chemokine concentrations in BAL samples, histologic inflammation in the lungs, and disease severity as defined by AO and AHR.

scholarly journals Intranasal Interleukin-12 Therapy Inhibits Mycoplasma pneumoniae Clearance and Sustains Airway Obstruction in Murine Pneumonia

2007 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 732-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Salvatore ◽  
M. Fonseca-Aten ◽  
K. Katz-Gaynor ◽  
A. M. Gomez ◽  
R. D. Hardy
Keyword(s):  
Airway Obstruction ◽  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Airway Hyperreactivity ◽  
Interleukin 12 ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Strong Trend ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia and is associated with asthma. Evidence links M. pneumoniae respiratory disease severity with interleukin-12 (IL-12) concentrations in respiratory secretions. We evaluated the effects of IL-12 therapy on microbiologic, inflammatory, and pulmonary function indices of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in mice. BALB/c mice were inoculated with M. pneumoniae or SP4 broth. Mice were treated with intranasal IL-12 or placebo daily for 8 days, starting on day 1 after inoculation. Mice were evaluated at baseline and on days 1, 3, 6, and 8 after therapy. Outcome variables included quantitative bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) M. pneumoniae culture, lung histopathologic score (HPS), BAL cytokine concentrations determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], gamma interferon [IFN-γ], IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), and plethysmography, both before and after methacholine treatment. M. pneumoniae-infected mice treated with IL-12 (MpIL12 mice) were found to have significantly higher BAL M. pneumoniae concentrations than those of M. pneumoniae-infected mice treated with placebo (MpP mice) (P < 0.001). MpIL12 mice had higher BAL concentrations of IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6, with differences in IL-12 and IFN-γ concentrations reaching statistical significance (P < 0.001). Airway obstruction was statistically elevated in MpIL12 mice compared to that in MpP mice (P = 0.048), while airway hyperreactivity was also elevated in MpIL12 mice but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.081). Lung parenchymal pneumonia subscores were significantly higher in MpIL12 mice (P < 0.001), but no difference was found for overall HPS, even though a strong trend was noticed (P = 0.051). Treatment of experimental M. pneumoniae pneumonia with intranasal IL-12 was associated with more severe pulmonary disease and less rapid microbiologic and histological resolution.

scholarly journals Respiratory Tract Infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Interleukin-12 Knockout Mice Results in Improved Bacterial Clearance and Reduced Pulmonary Inflammation

2006 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 236-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Salvatore ◽  
M. Fonseca-Aten ◽  
K. Katz-Gaynor ◽  
A. M. Gomez ◽  
A. Mejias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
Pulmonary Inflammation ◽  
Airway Hyperreactivity ◽  
Interleukin 12 ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia and is associated with asthma. Evidence links M. pneumoniae respiratory disease severity with interleukin-12 (IL-12) concentration in respiratory secretions. We evaluated the microbiologic, inflammatory, and pulmonary function indices of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in IL-12 (p35) knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice to determine the role of IL-12 in M. pneumoniae respiratory disease. Eight-week-old wild-type BALB/c mice and 8-week-old IL-12 (p35) KO BALB/c mice were inoculated once intranasally with 107 CFU of M. pneumoniae. Mice were evaluated at days 2, 4, and 7 after inoculation. Outcome variables included quantitative bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) M. pneumoniae culture, lung histopathologic scores (HPS), BAL cytokine concentrations determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], gamma interferon [IFN-γ], IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) and plethysmography, before and after methacholine, to assess airway obstruction (AO) and airway hyperreactivity (AHR). IL-12 (p35) KO mice infected with M. pneumoniae were found to have significantly lower BAL M. pneumoniae concentrations compared with M. pneumoniae-infected WT mice. Lung HPS and the parenchymal pneumonia subscores (neutrophilic alveolar infiltrate), as well as AO, were significantly lower in infected KO mice. No difference was found for AHR. Infected KO mice had significantly lower BAL concentrations of IFN-γ than WT mice; a trend toward lower BAL concentrations was observed for IL-10 (P = 0.065) and TNF-α (P = 0.078). No differences were found for IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, or IL-6. The lack of IL-12 in experimental M. pneumoniae pneumonia was associated with less severe pulmonary disease and more rapid microbiologic and histologic resolution.

scholarly journals Tigecycline Therapy Significantly Reduces the Concentrations of Inflammatory Pulmonary Cytokines and Chemokines in a Murine Model of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia

2009 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 1546-1551 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Salvatore ◽  
C. Techasaensiri ◽  
C. Tagliabue ◽  
K. Katz ◽  
N. Leos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
Murine Model ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Cytokines And Chemokines ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ifn Γ

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the causative agents of atypical community-acquired pneumonia. Tigecycline belongs to a new class of glycylcycline antimicrobials that have activity against a wide range of microorganisms, including in vitro activity against M. pneumoniae. We investigated the effect of tigecycline on microbiologic, histologic, and immunologic indices in a murine model of M. pneumoniae pneumonia. BALB/c mice were inoculated intranasally with M. pneumoniae and treated subcutaneously with tigecycline or placebo for 6 days. Outcome variables included quantitative bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) M. pneumoniae culture, lung histopathologic score (HPS), BAL cytokine and chemokine concentrations (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], gamma interferon [IFN-γ], interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 [p40/p70], granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, MIP-1α, MIG, KC, MCP-1, and IP-10). BAL M. pneumoniae concentrations in mice treated with tigecycline (MpTige) tended to be reduced compared with mice treated with placebo (MpPl); however this did not reach statistical significance. The lung HPS was significantly lower, as well as the parenchymal-pneumonia subscore, in the MpTige mice than in the MpPl mice. MpTige mice had significantly lower BAL cytokine concentrations of IL-1β, IL-12 (p40/p70), IFN-γ, and TNF-α; of the chemokines, MIG, MIP-1α, and IP-10 were statistically lower in MpTige mice. While tigecycline treatment demonstrated a modest microbiologic effect, it significantly improved lung histologic inflammation and reduced pulmonary cytokines and chemokines.

scholarly journals N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Inhibits Synthesis of IL-18 in Macrophage by Suppressing NLRP3 Expression to Reduce the Production of IFN-γ from NK Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Xiaopeng Liu ◽  
Xufeng Lu ◽  
Zhixiong Hu
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Copd Patients ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Nlrp3 Expression

Background. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) had exerted antioxidation and anti-inflammation effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, its effect in regulating interleukin- (IL-) 18 was not fully understood. This study was designed to evaluate the specific mechanism of NAC regulating IL-18. Materials and Methods. A total of 112 COPD patients and 103 health individuals were recruited in the study. Cytokine level in patients’ serum was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A COPD mouse model was established by administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cigarette smoke. The expression of cytokines was measured by ELISA and flow cytometry. Inflammasome-related protein was measured by Western blot. Result. NAC could effectively improve the immune status of COPD patients as well as the COPD mouse model by downregulating proinflammation and inflammation cytokines including IL-1β, interferon- (IFN-) γ, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, and IL-18. It also had the capability to suppress synthesis of IL-18 in macrophage to inhibit the secretion of IFN-γ from natural killer (NK) cells through influencing the inflammasome-related protein in macrophages. Conclusion. NAC could effectively inhibit the production of IL-18 by suppressing NLRP3 expression in macrophages to reduce the production of IFN-γ in NK cells.

scholarly journals Serum Cytokine Responses in Primary Pneumonic Plague Patients

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 184-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyi Wang ◽  
Zuyun Wang ◽  
Zhaobiao Guo ◽  
Baiqing Wei ◽  
Fuzhang Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Pneumonic Plague ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Factor Alpha ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Necrosis Factor

ABSTRACTThe serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 of pneumonic plague patients were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IL-6 was the only elevated cytokine in the patients, and its level increased with a clear time course, indicating that IL-6 might be a prognostic marker for predicting the progression of plague.

scholarly journals Increased Pulmonary Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-17A Responses Compensate for Decreased Gamma Interferon Production in Anti-IL-12 Autovaccine-Treated,Mycobacterium bovisBCG-Vaccinated Mice

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Freches ◽  
Marta Romano ◽  
Hannelie Korf ◽  
Jean-Christophe Renauld ◽  
Jacques Van Snick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Necrosis Factor ◽  
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Tumor Necrosis ◽  
Gamma Interferon ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Factor Alpha ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Necrosis Factor

ABSTRACTInterleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23 (which share a p40 subunit) are pivotal cytokines in the generation of protective Th1/Th17-type immune responses upon infection with the intracellular pathogenMycobacterium tuberculosis. The role of IL-12 and IL-23 in protection conferred by the tuberculosis vaccineMycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is, however, less well documented. By using an autovaccine approach, i.e., IL-12p70 cross-linked with ovalbumin and PADRE peptide formulated with the GSK proprietary adjuvant system AS02V, we could specifically neutralize IL-12 while leaving the IL-23 axis intact. Neutralization of IL-12 beforeM. tuberculosischallenge rendered C57BL/6 mice highly susceptible, resulting in 30-fold-higher CFU in spleen and lungs and accelerated mortality. In contrast, neutralization of IL-12 in BCG-vaccinated mice prior toM. tuberculosischallenge only marginally affected vaccine-mediated protection. Analysis of cytokine production in spleen and lungs 3 weeks post-TB challenge by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and functional and flow cytometric assays showed significantly reduced mycobacterium-specific gamma interferon (IFN-γ) responses inM. tuberculosis-infected and BCG-vaccinated mice that had been treated with the autovaccine. Purified protein derivative-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-17A levels, however, were highest in lungs from BCG-vaccinated/IL-12-neutralized animals, and even unstimulated lung cells from these mice produced significant levels of the three cytokines. Mycobacterium-specific IL-4 and IL-5 production levels were overall very low, but IL-12 neutralization resulted in increased concanavalin A-triggered polyclonal secretion of these Th2-type cytokines. These results suggest that TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A may be more important pulmonary effector molecules of BCG-mediated protection than IFN-γ in a context of IL-12 deficiency.

scholarly journals Exogenous Farnesol Interferes with the Normal Progression of Cytokine Expression during Candidiasis in a Mouse Model

2007 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 4006-4011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhammika H. M. L. P. Navarathna ◽  
Kenneth W. Nickerson ◽  
Gerald E. Duhamel ◽  
Thomas R. Jerrels ◽  
Thomas M. Petro
Keyword(s):  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Sublethal Dose ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Th2 Cytokines ◽  
Systemic Candidiasis ◽  
Dimorphic Fungus ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Th1 Cytokines

ABSTRACT Candida albicans, a dimorphic fungus composed of yeast and mycelial forms, is the most common human fungal pathogen. Th1 cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which are induced by macrophage IL-12, are critical to resistance against systemic candidiasis, while Th2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5 are less critical. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule produced by C. albicans that controls the formation of mycelia but is also a virulence factor. To determine whether farnesol enhances the virulence of C. albicans by modulating the production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, mice were pretreated with farnesol prior to intravenous infection with a sublethal dose of farnesol-producing C. albicans. Production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-12 was evaluated by bead-array flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mice exhibited an elevation in serum TNF-α levels at 48 h and an elevation in IFN-γ and IL-12 levels at 6 to 12 h after infection with C. albicans. Pretreatment with farnesol significantly reduced the elevation of both IFN-γ and IL-12 but not TNF-α. In contrast, mice pretreated with farnesol exhibited an unexpected elevation in IL-5 levels. To determine whether farnesol has a direct effect on macrophage production of IL-12, peritoneal macrophages were pretreated with farnesol prior to stimulation with IFN-γ plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Farnesol inhibited production of both IL-12 p40 and p70 from IFN-γ/LPS-stimulated macrophages. Therefore, the role of farnesol in systemic candidiasis is likely due to its ability to inhibit the critical Th1 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12 and perhaps to enhance a Th2 cytokine, IL-5.

scholarly journals Advanced glycation end product levels were correlated with inflammation and carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 364-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Li ◽  
Haiyan Shangguan ◽  
Xiaoqian Chen ◽  
Xiao Ye ◽  
Bin Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Advanced Glycation ◽  
Advanced Glycation End Product ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

AbstractDiabetes mellitus with atherosclerosis (AS) adds to the social burden. This study aimed to investigate whether advanced glycation end product (AGE) levels were correlated with inflammation and carotid AS (CAS) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. A total of 50 elderly T2DM patients and 50 age-matched senior healthy subjects were recruited in this study. T2DM patients were classified into two groups based on the intima–media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery from color Doppler ultrasonography. Patients with IMT > 1 mm were classified into the T2DM + CAS group (n = 28), and patients with IMT < 1 mm were assigned as the T2DM + non-atherosclerosis (NAS) group (n = 22). The plasma levels of AGEs, receptor for AGE (RAGE), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) of all subjects were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The T-lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by a flow detector. T2DM + CAS patients showed significantly higher concentrations of AGEs, RAGE, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the peripheral blood. The highest levels of CD4+ T cells were observed in the T2DM + CAS group. The AGE level was positively correlated with the concentrations of RAGE, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and CD4+. In summary, the results showed that the levels of AGEs may be correlated with the inflammatory status in T2DM patients with CAS.

scholarly journals Inflammatory cytokines-stimulated human muscle stem cells ameliorate ulcerative colitis via the IDO-TSG6 axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengchao Zhang ◽  
Jiankai Fang ◽  
Zhanhong Liu ◽  
Pengbo Hou ◽  
Lijuan Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Human Muscle ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Muscle Stem Cells ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Background Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are absolutely required for the formation, repair, and regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue. Increasing evidence demonstrated that tissue stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can exert therapeutic effects on various degenerative and inflammatory disorders based on their immunoregulatory properties. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) treated with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were reported to possess anti-inflammatory functions by producing TNF-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6). However, whether human muscle stem cells (hMuSCs) also possess TSG-6 mediated anti-inflammatory functions has not been explored. Methods The ulcerative colitis mouse model was established by subjecting mice to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. hMuSCs were pretreated with IFN-γ and TNF-α for 48 h and were then transplanted intravenously at day 2 of DSS administration. Body weights were monitored daily. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and TSG-6 in hMuSCs were knocked down with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), respectively. Colon tissues were collected for length measurement and histopathological examination. The serum level of IL-6 in mice was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to evaluate gene expression. Results hMuSCs treated with inflammatory factors significantly ameliorated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms. IDO and TSG-6 were greatly upregulated and required for the beneficial effects of hMuSCs on IBD. Mechanistically, the tryptophan metabolites, kynurenine (KYN) or kynurenic acid (KYNA) produced by IDO, augmented the expression of TSG-6 through activating their common receptor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Conclusion Inflammatory cytokines-treated hMuSCs can alleviate DSS-induced colitis through IDO-mediated TSG-6 production.

scholarly journals Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor-Deficient Mice Have Impaired Resistance to Blood-Stage Malaria

2001 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Riopel ◽  
MiFong Tam ◽  
Karkada Mohan ◽  
Michael W. Marino ◽  
Mary M. Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
Blood Stage ◽  
Colony Stimulating Factor ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Gm Csf ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Macrophage Colony ◽  
Stimulating Factor ◽  
Blood Stage Malaria

ABSTRACT The contribution of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a hematopoietic and immunoregulatory cytokine, to resistance to blood-stage malaria was investigated by infecting GM-CSF-deficient (knockout [KO]) mice with Plasmodium chabaudi AS. KO mice were more susceptible to infection than wild-type (WT) mice, as evidenced by higher peak parasitemia, recurrent recrudescent parasitemia, and high mortality. P. chabaudiAS-infected KO mice had impaired splenomegaly and lower leukocytosis but equivalent levels of anemia compared to infected WT mice. Both bone marrow and splenic erythropoiesis were normal in infected KO mice. However, granulocyte-macrophage colony formation was significantly decreased in these tissues of uninfected and infected KO mice, and the numbers of macrophages in the spleen and peritoneal cavity were significantly lower than in infected WT mice. Serum levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) were found to be significantly higher in uninfected KO mice, and the level of this cytokine was not increased during infection. In contrast, IFN-γ levels were significantly above normal levels in infected WT mice. During infection, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were significantly increased in KO mice and were significantly higher than TNF-α levels in infected WT mice. Our results indicate that GM-CSF contributes to resistance to P. chabaudi AS infection and that it is involved in the development of splenomegaly, leukocytosis, and granulocyte-macrophage hematopoiesis. GM-CSF may also regulate IFN-γ and TNF-α production and activity in response to infection. The abnormal responses seen in infected KO mice may be due to the lack of GM-CSF during development, to the lack of GM-CSF in the infected mature mice, or to both.

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