Transforming growth factor beta is protective in host resistance against Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice.
The role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in host resistance against Listeria monocytogenes infection was studied with mice. The constitutive expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA was observed in the spleens and livers of mice before and after infection. Injecting the mice with anti-TGF-beta 1 peptide serum resulted in diminished antilisterial resistance, whereas the administration of human platelet-derived TGF-beta 1 enhanced the resistance. Moreover, mice were protected against lethal infection when treated with TGF-beta 1. These results suggest the TGF-beta 1 might be involved in antilisterial resistance. On the other hand, injecting the mice with TGF-beta 1 resulted in a decrease in the titers of endogenous gamma interferon, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6, which are crucial in antilisterial resistance, in sera and in extracts of spleen and liver. Thus, a complicated mechanism might be involved in the role of TGF-beta 1 in host resistance against L. monocytogenes infection.
Nakane
A
A
Department of Bacteriology, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Japan. a27k03n0@cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp
Asano
M
M
Sasaki
S
S
Nishikawa
S
S
Miura
T
T
Kohanawa
M
M
Minagawa
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D008099:Liver / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D017931:DNA Primers; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta