researchPublished 2006
Mice need gamma interferon to clear bacterial lung infection
The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect most mammals. In mice, it can persist in the lower respiratory tract for up to 70 days. CIDD researchers have already shown that mice need specific antibodies to clear B. bronchiseptica infections. Now, in a recent paper in the journal Infection and Immunity, Mylisa Parette and Eric Harvill demonstrate that gamma interferon is also necessary. Interestingly, B. bronchiseptica's type three secretion system appears to inhibit production of gamma interferon, and hence delays clearance of the bacteria from the host's lungs.
» Read the abstract on the Infection and Immunity website