Activation of tuberculostatic macrophage functions by gamma interferon, interleukin-4, and tumor necrosis factor

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Abstract
The capacity of the cytokines gamma interferon (IFN-7y),interleukin-4 (Il-4), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to activate tuberculostatic functions in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM.phi.) was investigated. In confirmation of earlier findings, IFN-.gamma. rendered BMM.phi. capable of inhibiting subsequent infection with Mycobacterium bovis. In contrast, IL-4 and TNF failed to inhibit mycobacterial growth. However, in already infected BMM.phi., tuberculostasis was induced by subsequent stimulation with Il-4. Although TNF alone was ineffective, it showed synergy with IFN-.gamma. in the stimulation of tuberculosis. Our data suggest that not only IFN-.gamma. but also IL-4 and TNF participated in the control of mycobacterial growth.

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