Abstract
A suitable balance in the production of Th1/Th2-type cytokines has a crucial role in the control of microbial infections. We investigated cytokine production patterns and effects during Neospora caninum infection, based on two mouse models and an in vitro system. In the acute infection of N. caninum, BALB/c-background IFN-γ-deficient mice that were sensitive to the N. caninum infection showed high levels of IL-10 production, whereas significant levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) production were observed in resistant wild type mice. BALB/c mice vaccinated with recombinant vaccinia virus expressing N. caninum surface protein NcSRS2 resisted parasite spread throughout the body, low levels of IFN-γ production and high levels of IL-4 production were observed compared to unvaccinated animals. The treatment of N. caninum-infected cells with IFN-γ or IL-10 decreased the host-cell viability in an in vitro system using mouse macrophage J774A.1 cells. On the other hand, IL-4, but not IL-10 administration, increased the viability of N. caninum-infected and IFN-γ-treated cells. In the light of the balance of Th1/Th2-type cytokine production, an IFN-γ/IL-4 balance may have a crucial role for the control of cellular responses against the parasite invasion.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call