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Published on: February 14, 2011

Effect of an interferon stimulator, polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid, on experimental fungus infections

M Worthington, H F Hasenclever

    Infection and Immunity
    |February 1, 1972
    PubMed

    Insights

    Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (In:Cn), an interferon stimulator, worsened experimental fungal infections in mice. In:Cn treatment led to increased mortality and fungal burden for Candida albicans and Coccidioides immitis infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Mycology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Interferon stimulators modulate immune responses.
    • Fungal infections pose significant health challenges.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (In:Cn) on experimental fungal infections.
    • To determine if In:Cn influences the severity of Candida albicans, Coccidioides immitis, and Cryptococcus neoformans infections.

    Main Methods:

    • Administration of In:Cn to mice prior to fungal challenge.
    • Monitoring survival rates and mortality.
    • Quantifying fungal burden in infected tissues (kidneys).

    Main Results:

    • In:Cn treatment significantly increased mortality and fungal burden in mice infected with Candida albicans and Coccidioides immitis.
    • Kidney tissue fungal load for Candida albicans was 40- to 300-fold higher in In:Cn treated mice.
    • Cryptococcus neoformans infection severity was not significantly altered by In:Cn treatment.

    Conclusions:

    • In:Cn exacerbates certain experimental fungal infections in mice.
    • The impact of In:Cn on fungal infections may be pathogen-specific.
    • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind In:Cn's differential effects.

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