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Role of interferon gamma in the pathogenesis of primary respiratory syncytial virus infection in BALB/c mice.
- Source :
-
Journal of medical virology [J Med Virol] 2000 Oct; Vol. 62 (2), pp. 257-66. - Publication Year :
- 2000
-
Abstract
- Immunologic mechanisms are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in humans. RSV-infected BALB/c mice exhibit tachypnea and signs of outflow obstruction, similar to symptoms in humans. Interferon gamma (IFNgamma) has been found to be the predominant cytokine produced in humans and mice with RSV infection. We therefore undertook this study to evaluate the role of IFNgamma in the development of respiratory illness in RSV-infected mice. BALB/c mice were infected with RSV, and lung function was assessed by plethysmography. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids were analyzed for the concentration of interferon gamma (IFNgamma) and the presence of inflammatory cells, and lung tissue sections were examined for histopathologic changes. The role of IFNgamma was further addressed in studies of IFNgamma knock-out mice (IFNgamma(-/-)) and of mice depleted of IFNgamma by in vivo administration of a neutralizing antibody. After infection, mice developed respiratory symptoms that were strongly associated with the number of inflammatory cells in BAL, as well as with the concentrations of IFN-gamma. Both IFN-gamma(-/-) mice and mice treated with anti-IFNgamma developed more extensive inflammation of the airways than control mice. However mice lacking IFNgamma exhibited less severe signs of airway obstruction. Together these data suggest a protective role of IFNgamma in RSV infection in terms of limiting viral replication and inflammatory responses but also a pathogenic role in causing airway obstruction.<br /> (Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)
- Subjects :
- Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid immunology
Cytokines metabolism
Inflammation immunology
Interleukin-4 metabolism
Male
Mice
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Mice, Knockout
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections immunology
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections virology
Respiratory Tract Infections immunology
Respiratory Tract Infections virology
Interferon-gamma physiology
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections physiopathology
Respiratory Syncytial Viruses immunology
Respiratory Tract Infections physiopathology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0146-6615
- Volume :
- 62
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of medical virology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 11002257
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/1096-9071(200010)62:2<257::aid-jmv19>3.0.co;2-m