Effects of IL-13 on murine listeriosis.
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| Abstract |
Acquired resistance against Listeria monocytogenes is a typical T helper (Th) 1 dominated immune response, whereas Th2 cytokines are thought to worsen listeriosis. We investigated effects of recombinant IL-13 (rIL-13) on the host response to L. monocytogenes in mice. Although IL-13 has been described as a Th2 cytokine with deactivating anti-inflammatory activities, it was found to enhance antilisterial resistance. In vitro, rIL-13 increased IL-12 p40 and p70 production by bone marrow macrophages infected with L. monocytogenes. In vivo, numbers of viable bacteria in spleens and livers were decreased after treatment of mice with rIL-13. In addition, granuloma formation was impaired and NK cell activity of spleen cells was enhanced. At the onset of infection, frequencies of IL-12-producing cells were increased and numbers of IL-4- and IFN-gamma-secreting cells were diminished in rIL-13-treated mice as compared to controls. In contrast, on day 6 after infection, IL-12, IL-4 and IFN-gamma levels in rIL-13-treated animals were equal to or even higher than those in controls. Although direct activation of host macrophages by IL-13 is possible, we consider it more likely that IL-13 acted indirectly through stimulation of IL-12 production and inhibition of IL-4 release early after infection. In contrast, our data argue against an apparent role of IFN-gamma in IL-13-induced antilisterial resistance.
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| Authors | I E Flesch, A Wandersee, S H Kaufmann |
| Journal | International immunology (Int Immunol) Vol. 9 Issue 4 Pg. 467-74 (Apr 1997) ISSN: 0953-8178 [Print] England |
| PMID | 9138006 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't) |
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