Recombinant Interferon-  Enhances Resistance to Acute Disseminated Candida albicans Infection in Mice

Abstract

The effect of recombinant rat interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) on acute disseminated Candida albicans infection in mice was investigated. Outgrowth of C. albicans in kidneys, spleen, and liver of mice treated with one intravenous (iv) dose of rIFN-gamma before iv injection of 5 x 10(5) cfu of C. albicans was significantly lower than in controls over 7 days. rIFN-gamma was protective when given 1 day before, simultaneously with, or 1-3 days after infection but not when given 3 days before. In mice pretreated with hydrocortisone acetate, rIFN-gamma significantly reduced the outgrowth only when 10(3) cfu of C. albicans was injected. Injection of rIFN-gamma did not reduce the outgrowth of C. albicans in cyclophosphamide-pretreated mice and significantly increased the capacity of peripheral blood and exudate peritoneal granulocytes to kill C. albicans in vitro. Thus, rIFN-gamma enhances host resistance against acute disseminated C. albicans infection in mice through activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Future therapies targeted towards eliminatingCandidabiofilms and associated infections

“…Another cytokine, interferon gamma (IFN), produced by T cells and NK cells, was found to increase anti-candidal potential of macrophages, although some have queried its efficacy [186]. In one study, the administration of IFN reduced the fungal burden in mice with disseminated candidiasis [194], but in another it failed to improve the potency of fluconazole against oral candidiasis in mice [195]. There is also a single clinical report of four patients, that has stated the beneficial contribution of IFN in patients with refractory fungal infections [196].…”

Kinetics of CD11b/CD18 Up-Regulation During Infection with the Agent of Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis in Mice

“…IFN-␥ is a broadly acting cytokine whose actions include up-regulation of the respiratory burst, neutrophil and monocyte activation, and degranulation among many others (Aas et al, 1999;Gaviria et al, 1999;Kullberg et al, 1993). As a T helper 1 cytokine, IFN-␥ is thought to play a primary role in host defenses against intracellular microbes.…”

Trends in immunotherapy of fungal infections

“…Administration of a single dose of recombinant IFN-7 to mice with dis seminated candidiasis significantly reduced the outgrowth of Candida albicans in their organs, even when the infection had been established for several days (8). Of note, a single injection of IFN-7 resulted in a beneficial effect that persisted for at least one week.…”