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1991
Journal Article
Titel
Respiratory syncytial virus induced alteration of cytokine secretion by alveolar macrophages in vitro
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RS virus) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract disease in infants. The alveolar macrophage may contribute to the cellular immune response leading to virus elimination. Therefore, we investigated inflammatory mediators released by alveolar macrophages in response to RS virus. Supernatant of murine alveolar macrophages infected with RS virus at different multiplicities of infection have been tested at various time points for their cytokine content. In vitro infection of alveolar macrophages induced secretion of biologically active TNF alpha as well as Interleukin 6 (IL 6). In contrast, supernatant of RS virus infected alveolar macrophages contained only low amounts of Interleukin 1 (IL 1). The release of TNF, IL 6 and IL 1 by alveolar macrophages was dependent on the infectious dose of virus. We also observed a strong induction of PGE-2. However, maximal amounts of PGE-2 were released in a later stage of infection. Together these results indica te that alveolar macrophages may play a role in the regulation of the immune response to RS virus infection.