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Interleukin-3 protects mice from acute herpes simplex virus infection
W L Chan1, H J Ziltener, F Y Liew
1Department of Microbiology, UMDS, Medical School, Guy's Hospital, London, U.K.
Immunology
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Interleukin-3 (IL-3) aids recovery from HSV-1 infection by boosting host defenses. This cytokine likely induces interferons in brain cells, inhibiting viral replication and reducing disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes significant disease.
- The role of cytokines in host defense against HSV-1 is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Interleukin-3 (IL-3) in the host response to HSV-1 infection.
- To determine if IL-3 has a protective effect against HSV-1.
Main Methods:
- Kinetic studies of IL-3 production in HSV-1 infected mice.
- In vivo administration of anti-IL-3 antibodies.
- In vitro infection of mouse embryonic head cells with HSV-1 in the presence of IL-3 and antibodies.
Main Results:
- High IL-3 levels correlated with recovery from HSV-1 infection.
- Anti-IL-3 antibody treatment exacerbated HSV-1 disease.
- IL-3 treatment of infected cells reduced HSV-1 titre by 1000-fold.
- The inhibitory effect of IL-3 was reversed by anti-IL-3 and anti-interferon antibodies.
Conclusions:
- IL-3 plays a host-protective role against HSV-1 infection.
- IL-3 likely functions by inducing brain cells to produce interferons, which inhibit viral replication.