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. 1991 Sep;59(9):3287–3290. doi: 10.1128/iai.59.9.3287-3290.1991

Role of beta interferon in resistance to Toxoplasma gondii infection.

M A Orellana 1, Y Suzuki 1, F Araujo 1, J S Remington 1
PMCID: PMC258166  PMID: 1908831

Abstract

The role of recombinant murine beta interferon (rMuIFN-beta) and recombinant human IFN-beta (rHuIFN-beta) in resistance to Toxoplasma gondii was examined. rMuIFN-beta protected mice against a lethal infection with the parasite. The protective effect appeared to depend on the concomitant release of gamma interferon. rMuIFN-beta did not activate murine peritoneal macrophages to inhibit or kill T. gondii whether used alone or in combination with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). rHuIFN-beta did not activate human monocyte-derived macrophages to inhibit or kill T. gondii when 5-day-old monocyte-derived macrophages were used. In contrast, significant killing of T. gondii was noted when 10-day-old monocyte-derived macrophages were used. The addition of LPS enhanced this effect. These results revealed a role for IFN-beta in the mechanisms of defense against T. gondii and suggest its potential use in the treatment of toxoplasmosis in humans.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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