Mice need gamma interferon to clear bacterial lung infection

Mice need gamma interferon to clear bacterial lung infection

The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect most mammals. In mice, it can persist in the lower respiratory tract for up to 70 days.

CIDD researchers have already shown that mice need specific antibodies to clear B. bronchiseptica infections.

In the journal Infection and Immunity, Mylisa Parette and Eric Harvill demonstrate that gamma interferon is also necessary. Interestingly, B. bronchiseptica's type three secretion system appears to inhibit production of gamma interferon, and hence delays clearance of the bacteria from the host's lungs.

Written By: Mylisa R. Pilione& Eric T. Harvill

Paper Url: http://iai.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/74/2/1043

Journal: 74: 1043-1049

Journal Reference: 74: 1043-1049

Paper Id: 10.1128/IAI.74.2.1043-1049.2006