Outcome ofStaphylococcus aureus -triggered sepsis and arthritis in IL-4-deficient mice depends on the genetic background of the host

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Abstract
Disruption of the IL‐4 gene in two inbred mouse strains revealed a dual role of IL‐4 in Staphylococcus aureus sepsis and arthritis depending on the host's genetic background. IL‐4 was protective in 129SV mice, since 5 days after S. aureus inoculation IL‐4− / − mice displayed 70 % mortality as compared to survival of all 129SV wild‐type counterparts. On the other hand, IL‐4 was detrimental in C57BL/6 mice, since survival of IL‐4− / − C57BL/6 mice was increased, as compared to wild‐type controls, due to decreased staphylococcal growth. Altogether, our results show the dual role of IL‐4 in S. aureus sepsis and arthritis, depending on the genetic background of the host.