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. 1996 Sep;64(9):3901–3904. doi: 10.1128/iai.64.9.3901-3904.1996

Transforming growth factor beta is protective in host resistance against Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice.

A Nakane 1, M Asano 1, S Sasaki 1, S Nishikawa 1, T Miura 1, M Kohanawa 1, T Minagawa 1
PMCID: PMC174310  PMID: 8751946

Abstract

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.

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Selected References

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