Role of gamma interferon in a neonatal mouse model of group B streptococcal disease

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the rule of gamma interferon (IFN- γ) in a neonatal moose model of group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis. IFN-γ was produced by spleen cells at 24, 48, and 72 h after GBS challenge. Treatment with anti-IFN-γ at 6 h before challenge totally abrogated the IFN-γ response but did not affect survival. Subcutaneous administration of recombinant IFN-γ (2,500 IU per pup) at 18 h after challenge resulted in increased survival time and reduced blood colony counts at 48 and 72 h. In vitro preincubation of neonatal whole blood with IFN-γ before the addition of GBS resulted in significant restriction of bacterial growth. These data indicate that administration of recombinant IFN-γ can partially restore impaired host defenses against GBS in neonatal mice. This cytokine may be useful for the treatment of neonatal infections.