title: CpG oligodeoxynucleotides improve the survival of pregnant and fetal mice following Listeria monocytogenes infection.
abstract: Listeria infection during pregnancy can cause the death of both mother and fetus. Previous studies established that immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) increase the resistance of healthy adult mice to many infectious pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes. This study examines whether the innate immune response elicited by CpG ODN can reduce the susceptibility of pregnant mice to lethal listeria challenge. The results indicate that CpG ODN treatment significantly improves maternal survival and reduces pathogen transmission to offspring. CpG ODN administered during pregnancy did not induce abortion, birth defects, or reduce the size or health of litters. These findings suggest that CpG ODN may provide a safe and effective means of improving the health of mothers and fetuses during pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Section of Retroviral Immunology, Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Shu-ichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ito
authors.forename: Ken J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Ishii
authors.forename: Hidekazu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shirota
authors.forename: Dennis M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Klinman
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D018899:CpG Islands / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000401:mortality*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000401:mortality*
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; C408982:CPG-oligonucleotide; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides