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Modulation of the Immune System by Listeria monocytogenes ‐Mediated Gene Transfer into Mammalian Cells
Author(s) -
Shen Hua,
Kanoh Makoto,
Liu Fengzhi,
Maruyama Saho,
Asano Yoshihiro
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
microbiology and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.664
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1348-0421
pISSN - 0385-5600
DOI - 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2004.tb03514.x
Subject(s) - immune system , biology , listeria monocytogenes , microbiology and biotechnology , in vivo , gene , immunology , bacteria , genetics
In this study, we established a method for Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)‐mediated gene transfer into mammalian cells to manipulate the immune response of the host during infection by pathogens. We used the Lm‐mediated gene transfer method in an in vivo study to manipulate host immune responses against Leishmania major ( L. major )‐infection. The injection of Lm modulated the susceptible host into a resistant state against L. major ‐infection. A more efficient protective effect was obtained with the injection of IL‐12‐cDNA containing Lm, and the protective effect was stronger than that of the resistant strain. The protective mechanism of Lm‐injection against L. major ‐infection observed here appeared to be a result of the activation of the local immune system by the Lm‐mediated gene transfer method. The present study is the first demonstration that a gene introduced into a host by Lm works to modulate the murine host immune response against infections in vivo . Since this system strongly induces Th1 responses and suppresses Th2 responses in infected hosts, the system can be used for controlling infectious diseases and for protection against allergic responses in the future.