Mice deficient for the 55kd tumor necrosis factor receptor are resistant to endotoxic shock, yet succumb to L. monocytogenes infection

A mutant mouse strain that is deficient in the 55 kd receptor of the tumor necrosis factor (TNFRp55) was established. The splenocytes of TNFRp55 -/- mice express normal numbers of high affinity TNFRp75, indicating that the expression of TNFp75 is independent of TNFp55. Moreover, major alterations with respect to TNF signaling and host responses to specific stimuli were demonstrated. The findings suggest that TNFRp55 mediated signals play a role in both toxic and protective effects of TNF in vivo.