Macrophage Depletion Prior to Neospora caninum Infection Results in Severe Neosporosis in Mice

摘要

We observed that murine macrophages showed greater activation and increased interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-12p40, and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) 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.