Modulation of infection with Histoplasma capsulatum by inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha activity.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is required for host defenses against a number of pathogenic microbes, including Histoplasma capsulatum. In mice, TNF-alpha is necessary for the generation of a protective immune response to both primary and secondary histoplasmosis. Recent reports indicate that, in humans, treatment with inhibitors of TNF-alpha is associated with disseminated histoplasmosis. Here, I review the mechanisms by which inhibition of TNF-alpha may exacerbate infection with H. capsulatum.
Deepe
George S
GS
Division of Infectious Diseases, Veterans Affairs Hospital, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0560, USA. george.deepe@uc.edu
D000818:Animals; D006658:Histoplasma; D006660:Histoplasmosis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha