ISSN:
1432-1955
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Although the involvement of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) during Toxoplasma gondii infection has largely been described in mouse models, only a few studies in human models have been reported. We demonstrated the role of TNF-α during the process of invasion by T. gondii in human monocytic cells. Cotreatment of cells with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and lipolysaccharide (LPS) during T. gondii infection induced TNF-α production and decreased the number of parasitized cells (invasion index). Neutralization of the production of TNF-α using a specific monoclonal antibody or pentoxifylline enhanced the invasion index. The relationship between TNF-α production and protection of monocytic cells against T. gondii invasion was confirmed by treatment of infected cultures with exogenous TNF-α. Thus, in contrast to the results obtained in murine models but in accordance with those observed in other human models, the present study shows for the first time in human monocytic cells that T. gondii does not induce any TNF-α secretion and inhibits TNF-α production induced by IFN-γ/LPS.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004360050685
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