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Updated: Sep 30, 2026
Imaging of In Situ Interferon Gamma Production in the Mouse Spleen following Listeria monocytogenes Infection
Published on: July 16, 2019
Murine polymorphonuclear neutrophils produce interferon-gamma in response to pulmonary infection with Nocardia
Terri N Ellis1, Blaine L Beaman
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA.
Abstract:
Nocardia asteroides causes an acute, necrotizing pneumonia characterized by extensive infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) into the lungs. Although PMNs have historically been classified as end-point cells, recent investigations have indicated that PMNs have the ability to secrete cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-12. This study investigated the ability of PMNs to produce cytokines in a murine model of N. asteroides pulmonary infection. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), but not IL-4, by PMNs in response to this infection. IFN-gamma production correlated with peak infiltration of PMNs into the lungs. Cell sorting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to confirm cytokine production by cells with nuclear morphology characteristic of PMNs. This is the first report of IFN-gamma production by neutrophils in response to an infection in vivo. These results suggest that PMNs play an important role in directing the host toward a T helper cell type 1 phenotypic response in the lungs.
Insights
Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) fight Nocardia asteroides lung infections by producing interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). This finding reveals PMNs
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Nocardia asteroides infection leads to necrotizing pneumonia with significant polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) infiltration.
- Recent evidence suggests PMNs can secrete cytokines like interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-12, challenging their traditional role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytokine production capabilities of PMNs during Nocardia asteroides pulmonary infection in a murine model.
- To determine if PMNs contribute to the host's immune response phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Murine model of Nocardia asteroides pulmonary infection.
- Flow cytometry to detect cytokine production by PMNs.
- Cell sorting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to confirm findings.
Main Results:
- PMNs isolated from infected lungs produced interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma).
- No significant IL-4 production was detected from PMNs.
- IFN-gamma production by PMNs correlated with the extent of lung infiltration.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of in vivo IFN-gamma production by neutrophils during an active infection.
- PMNs play a crucial role in initiating a T helper cell type 1 (Th1) immune response in the lungs against Nocardia asteroides.
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