Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2026
Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice
Published on: June 22, 2016
Effect of microbial immunomodulants on the course of LCMV infection in old mice with thymus involution
1Institute of Microbiology, Semmelweis University Medical School, Budapest, Hungary.
Abstract:
Old mice with thymus involution were treated intraperitoneally with a live vaccine containing a mesogenic strain of attenuated Newcastle Disease Virus or with Mannozym (M, 1% zymosan suspension). One day after the treatments mice were infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) intracerebrally. The fatal course of the consequent LCMV infection was stimulated by each of the pretreatments, indicating that the cellular immune response was stimulated. The results are compared with results of experiments carried out on suckling, young adult and old mice in similar experimental systems. The authors' previous publication suggesting that the direction and degree of the immunomodulant effect may be influenced by the actual age-dependent condition of the lymphoid system, have been confirmed.
Insights
Newcastle Disease Virus vaccine and Mannozym treatments in old mice exacerbated fatal lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infections, suggesting stimulated cellular immunity. Age-dependent immune system conditions influence immunomodulatory effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Thymus involution in aging mice affects immune function.
- Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and zymosan are known immunomodulators.
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a model pathogen for studying immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of NDV vaccine and Mannozym in aged mice.
- To determine if these treatments alter the course of LCMV infection.
- To confirm the influence of age-dependent lymphoid system conditions on immunomodulation.
Main Methods:
- Old mice with thymus involution were treated with NDV vaccine or Mannozym.
- Mice were subsequently infected intracerebrally with LCMV.
- The fatal course of LCMV infection was monitored.
- Results were compared with previous studies on mice of different age groups.
Main Results:
- Both NDV vaccine and Mannozym treatments increased the fatality of LCMV infection in old mice.
- This exacerbation indicates a stimulation of the cellular immune response.
- The findings align with previous research on age-related immune modulation.
Conclusions:
- Pretreatment with NDV vaccine or Mannozym stimulates cellular immunity in aged mice.
- This stimulation can lead to a more severe outcome when challenged with LCMV.
- The age-dependent state of the lymphoid system is a critical factor in immunomodulatory responses.
