Gamma interferon levels during Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia in mice

Infect Immun. 1993 Aug;61(8):3556-8. doi: 10.1128/iai.61.8.3556-3558.1993.

Abstract

Host defense against murine Chlamydia trachomatis (mouse pneumonitis agent [MoPn]) in a murine model was investigated. Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) was produced in the lungs by both MoPn-susceptible nude athymic (nu/nu) and MoPn-resistant heterozygous (nu/+) mice. In vivo depletion of IFN-gamma in nu/nu mice led to exacerbation of infection. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis disclosed induction of GL3 antibody-positive cells (putatively gamma/delta+ T cells) in nu/nu mouse lung during infection with MoPn. Treatment of nu/nu mice in vivo with antibody to NK cells (anti-asialo GM1 antibody) or to gamma/delta cells (UC7-13D5) did not significantly decrease IFN-gamma production in the lung. However, treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency mice (which lack gamma/delta cells) with antibody to NK cells significantly reduced lung IFN-gamma levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chlamydia Infections / immunology*
  • Chlamydia trachomatis*
  • Female
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, SCID
  • Pneumonia / immunology*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / analysis
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
  • Interferon-gamma