title: Role of beta interferon in resistance to Toxoplasma gondii infection.
abstract: The role of recombinant murine beta interferon (rMuIFN-beta) and recombinant human IFN-beta (rHuIFN-beta) in resistance to Toxoplasma gondii was examined. rMuIFN-beta protected mice against a lethal infection with the parasite. The protective effect appeared to depend on the concomitant release of gamma interferon. rMuIFN-beta did not activate murine peritoneal macrophages to inhibit or kill T. gondii whether used alone or in combination with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). rHuIFN-beta did not activate human monocyte-derived macrophages to inhibit or kill T. gondii when 5-day-old monocyte-derived macrophages were used. In contrast, significant killing of T. gondii was noted when 10-day-old monocyte-derived macrophages were used. The addition of LPS enhanced this effect. These results revealed a role for IFN-beta in the mechanisms of defense against T. gondii and suggest its potential use in the treatment of toxoplasmosis in humans.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, California 94301.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Orellana
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Araujo
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Remington
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000469:parasitology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D009000:Monocytes / Q000469:parasitology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014122:Toxoplasma; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma