Figure 2. IFN-γ deficiency results in severe caspase-1/11 dependent inflammation.
WT and caspase-1/11−/− mice were treated with anti-IFN-γ or an isotype control, then infected in both rear footpads with 1×105 B. melitensis 16M A-E). Mice were euthanized at day 7 and joint CFUs and IL-1β levels were enumerated A,E). Joint swelling was measured throughout the experimental time course B). At day 7 post-infection, H&E staining on joint sections was conducted and slides were scored for inflammation C&D). Depicted are representative images (100X) from each group with amplified boxed regions (400X) displayed to their right C). Data are representative of 3 independent experiments each with 3–5 mice/group except for D), in which data was combined from 2 experiments with 10–13 mice/group. Error bars depict S.D. of the mean. Means with the same letter at the same timepoint are not statistically different from each other as determined by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test in A,B, and E) or ANOVA on Ranks D).