Artigo Acesso aberto Revisado por pares

Increased susceptibility to systemic candidiasis in interleukin-6 deficient mice 1

1999; Oxford University Press; Volume: 37; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1046/j.1365-280x.1999.00247.x

ISSN

1460-2709

Autores

Frank H. J. van Enckevort, Mihai G. Netea, A. R. M. M. Hermus, Fred C.G.J. Sweep, Jacques F. Meis, J.W.M. van der Meer, Bart Jan Kullberg,

Tópico(s)

Fungal Infections and Studies

Resumo

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates multiple aspects of the innate immune response. It has been recently shown that endogenous IL-6 is crucial for an efficient defence against severe infections with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of endogenous IL-6 in the defence against infection with the yeast Candida albicans. During experimental candidemia, IL-6 deficient mice (IL-6-/-) had a decreased survival and an increased fungal load in their organs when compared with IL-6+/+ controls, despite increased plasma concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and IL-1 beta, IL-6-/- mice were not able to mount an efficient neutrophil response during the infection. When mice were rendered neutropenic by cyclophosphamide, neutropenic IL-6-/- mice were equally susceptible to C. albicans when compared to neutropenic IL-6+/+ mice, implying that neutrophils mediate the beneficial effect of endogenous IL-6. In conclusion, IL-6-/- mice are more susceptible to disseminated candidiasis, and the effect of IL-6 is most likely mediated by neutrophils.

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