Increased susceptibility to systemic candidiasis in interleukin-6 deficient mice

FHJ Van Enckevort, MG Netea, A Hermus… - Medical …, 1999 - Taylor & Francis
FHJ Van Enckevort, MG Netea, A Hermus, CGJ Sweep, J Meis, JWM Van der Meer…
Medical mycology, 1999Taylor & Francis
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates multiple aspects of the innate
immune response. It has been recently shown that endogenous IL-6 is crucial for an efficient
defence against severe infections with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The aim
of the present study was to investigate the role of endogenous IL-6 in the defence against
infection with the yeast Candida albicans. During experimental candidemia, IL-6 deficient
mice (IL-6−/−) had a decreased survival and an increased fungal load in their organs when …
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates multiple aspects of the innate immune response. It has been recently shown that endogenous IL-6 is crucial for an efficient defence against severe infections with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of endogenous IL-6 in the defence against infection with the yeast Candida albicans. During experimental candidemia, IL-6 deficient mice (IL-6−/−) had a decreased survival and an increased fungal load in their organs when compared with IL-6+/+ controls, despite increased plasma concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF), interleukin-1a (IL-1a) and IL-1b. IL-6−/− mice were not able to mount an efficient neutrophil response during the infection. When mice were rendered neutropenic by cyclophosphamide, neutropenic IL-6−/− mice were equally susceptible to C. albicans when compared to neutropenic IL-6+/+ mice, implying that neutrophils mediate the beneficial effect of endogenous IL-6. In conclusion, IL-6−/− mice are more susceptible to disseminated candidiasis, and the effect of IL-6 is most likely mediated by neutrophils.
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