Mice lacking both G-CSF and IL-6 are more susceptible to Candida albicans infection: Critical role of neutrophils in defense against Candida albicans

Author： Basu Sunanda Quilici Cathy Zhang Hui-Hua Grail Dianne Dunn Ashley

Publisher： Informa Healthcare

ISSN： 0897-7194

Source： Growth Factors, Vol.26, Iss.1, 2008-03, pp. : 23-34

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Abstract

Neutrophils play an important role in the host's defense against infection with various pathogenic organisms. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is regarded as a major regulator of neutrophil production and function. Mice lacking G-CSF or its receptor are neutropenic. IL-6 is another cytokine that has been shown to promote neutrophil production and modulate the function of many types of immune cells. We have analyzed G-CSF/IL-6 double deficient (G-CSF- / - /IL-6- / - ) mice to gain an insight into the possible contribution of IL-6 to the residual granulopoiesis in G-CSF-deficient (G-CSF- / - ) mice. Furthermore, we have evaluated the ability of G-CSF- / - /IL-6- / - mice to combat an experimental infection with Candida albicans. Our data shows that IL-6 plays a role in granulopoiesis during early post natal period but it is dispensable for steady-state granulopoiesis in adult mice. However, adult G-CSF- / - /IL-6- / - mice are more susceptible to Candida infection than similarly infected G-CSF- / - mice. Although, the candidacidal function of neutrophils of G-CSF- / - /IL-6- / - mice is deficient, the ability to produce IFN-γ and TNF-α in response to Candida infection is not compromised. Similarly, nitric oxide production by peritoneal macrophages from G-CSF- / - /IL-6- / - mice in response to Candida is comparable to G-CSF- / - mice.