Induction of TNF in vitro as a model for the identification of toxic malaria antigens.
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) has been implicated as a mediator of toxicity in a number of infectious diseases, including malaria. We have shown that human and rodent blood-stage parasites liberate heat-stable soluble antigens that induce the release of TNF by activated macrophages in vitro and in vivo, and are toxic to mice made hypersensitive to TNF by D-galactosamine. These antigens induce T-independent antibodies which specifically block their ability, but not that of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, to cause the secretion of TNF. Cytokine release in vitro may be a useful strategy for identifying potentially toxic molecules of infectious organisms and for investigating the nature of antibodies that can protect the host against their damaging effects.
Taverne
J
J
Department of Immunology, University College, London, UK.
Bate
C A
CA
Playfair
J H
JH
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000276:immunology*; D010962:Plasmodium berghei / Q000276:immunology; D010967:Plasmodium yoelii / Q000276:immunology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha