Related Experiment Videos
Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira peptidoglycans induce the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha from human
1Institute of Microbiology, University of Trieste, Italy. cinco@univ.trieste.it
Abstract:
Elevated plasma concentrations of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) have been observed in patients affected by leptospirosis. In this study we found that a preparation of peptidoglycan of Leptospira interrogans, serovar copenhageni, was able to induce the release of TNF alpha from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. TNF alpha induction occurred in a dose dependent manner and was not affected by the endotoxin inhibitor polymixin B. This is the first report on induction of TNF alpha release by a peptidoglycan of spirochetes. Our findings are consistent with existing clinical data and provide a potential mechanism for TNF alpha production.
Insights
Leptospira peptidoglycans can trigger tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) release from immune cells. This study identifies a potential mechanism for TNF alpha production in leptospirosis patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Elevated plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) are observed in leptospirosis patients.
- Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira spirochetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Leptospira interrogans peptidoglycan in inducing TNF alpha release.
- To explore the mechanism of TNF alpha production in response to Leptospira components.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with peptidoglycan from Leptospira interrogans, serovar copenhageni.
- TNF alpha release was measured.
- The effect of polymixin B on TNF alpha induction was assessed.
Main Results:
- Leptospira peptidoglycan induced dose-dependent release of TNF alpha from PBMCs.
- TNF alpha induction was not inhibited by polymixin B, suggesting it is not endotoxin-mediated.
- This is the first report demonstrating TNF alpha induction by spirochetal peptidoglycan.
Conclusions:
- Leptospira peptidoglycan is a potent inducer of TNF alpha release.
- This finding provides a potential mechanism for elevated TNF alpha levels in leptospirosis.
- Further research into spirochetal components and immune responses is warranted.