Protective Role of TNF-alpha in respiratory syncytial virus infection in vitro and in vivo

Am J Med Sci. 1996 May;311(5):201-4. doi: 10.1097/00000441-199605000-00001.

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes substantial morbidity in young children and immunocompromised adults, yet its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Because the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may be important in host response to viral infection, HEp-2 cells were treated with TNF-alpha and mice were given TNF-alpha antibody before RSV infection. Pretreatment of HEp-2 cells with TNF-alpha inhibited RSV replication as determined by cytopathic effect. Respiratory syncytial virus-infected BALB/c mice treated with antibody to TNF-alpha had greater maximal weight loss and slower recovery time than control mice. These results suggest a protective role for TNF-alpha in RSV infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Body Weight
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
  • Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / physiopathology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / drug effects
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / physiology*
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / pharmacology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology*
  • Viral Plaque Assay
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha