Macrophage depletion prior to Neospora caninum infection results in severe neosporosis in mice

Abstract

We observed that murine macrophages showed greater activation and increased interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-12p40, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production during Neospora caninum infection. Many macrophages migrated to the site of infection. Furthermore, macrophage-depleted mice exhibited increased sensitivity to N. caninum infection. This study indicates that macrophages are required for achieving protective immunity against N. caninum. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.