Natural killer cells are not required for interferon-mediated prophylaxis against vaccinia or murine cytomegalovirus infections.
Natural killer (NK) cell-depleted or control mice were treated prophylactically with polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (polyI: polyC) or purified beta interferon (IFN) and then infected with either vaccinia virus or murine cytomegalovirus. NK cell depletion alone enhanced virus titres in the spleen and peritoneal cavity. However, poly I: polyC and IFN inhibited virus replication equally well in control and NK cell-depleted mice. This suggests that prophylactic IFN treatment mediates antiviral effects independently of NK cells.
D000818:Animals; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D011070:Poly I-C / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014615:Vaccinia / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy
D007370:Interferon Type I; D011070:Poly I-C