Scientific Publications by FDA Staff

Infect Immun 2004 May;72(5):3069-72

Macrophages release tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-12 in response to intracellular Bacillus anthracis spores.

Pickering AK, Merkel TJ

Merkel TJ, US FDA, CBE, DBPAP, Lab Resp & Special Pathogens, Bldg 29, Room 418,29 Lincoln Dr, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA US FDA, CBE, DBPAP, Lab Resp & Special Pathogens, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA

Herein we report that infection of a murine macrophage cell line with Bacillus anthracis results in the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-12 (IL-12). When infected with B. anthracis spores in combination with lipopolysaccharide, macrophages release increased amounts of IL-12. We found no evidence of inhibition of cytokine responses in macrophages infected with B. anthracis spores.